Dutch rail travel halted by suspected sabotage

Rail travel in large parts of the Netherlands was halted Tuesday after suspected sabotage involving tubes attached to tracks in multiple locations, rail operator ProRail said.

Train transport in much of the central and eastern Netherlands was described as virtually impossible after authorities found items placed on tracks.

“Materials were found at multiple locations on the track that were deliberately placed there,” ProRail said. “Sabotage appears to be involved.”

ProRail said its computer systems interpret an item on the track as meaning that section is occupied, turning all lights in that section red and stopping trains from passing.

One train hit one of the tubes, but there were no injuries, ProRail spokeswoman Joke van der Cruysen said.

ProRail said it was not yet known who was responsible or what the motive was. A police investigation is underway, and it is not clear when rail traffic will resume.

The disruption has also affected road travel because level crossings are malfunctioning.