On Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the Netherlands rail network experienced widespread disruption due to suspected sabotage at 24 locations, with over 35 incidents reported across the central and northern parts of the country.
Service Disruptions and Route Impact
Rail services were halted on routes affecting major hubs including Schiphol Airport, Eindhoven, Utrecht, Zwolle, Deventer, Amersfoort, and Amsterdam Centraal. Multiple level crossings were closed, causing additional road traffic delays. Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the Dutch train operator, reported the disruption was too extensive to allow replacement bus services. By about 17:00 CEST (16:00 GMT) on 15 September, no new incidents were detected, though two lines remained disrupted
into the evening.
Official Statements and Investigations
ProRail, the Dutch rail infrastructure operator, called the deliberate placement of pipes and cables on tracks “extremely dangerous and unacceptable” but confirmed no accidents occurred. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the sabotage as “disruptive and life-threatening.” Dutch Police have launched a criminal investigation, supported by the national public prosecutor’s office and the Dutch intelligence agency AIVD. Officials have not identified any suspects or motives at this time.
Technical Cause of Disruption
The sabotage involved placing pipes and cables on railway tracks, causing rail computer systems to falsely detect trains on the affected lines. This malfunction prevented normal traffic control operations,
necessitating service halts and safety checks. ProRail emphasized the risk of such actions to rail safety and infrastructure.
Prior Train Incident and Context
A related incident occurred early on Monday, 14 September, when a train near Steenwijk in the eastern Netherlands struck metal on the tracks. Damage was limited as the train was not at full speed. The ongoing criminal investigation covers this event as well. The disruptions coincided with Prinsjesdag, the government’s annual budget presentation day. While Farmers Defence Force protests took place in the country, authorities have not linked them to the sabotage. Interim NS CEO Mirjam van Velthuizen called for greater investment
in resilience and contingency planning, stating, “In a world where uncertainties are increasing, we must ensure that the railway can absorb disruptions, that the impact remains limited as much as possible, and that we can recover as quickly as possible.”
