Suspected Sabotage Halts Dutch Rail Network on Budget Day

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Large parts of the Dutch railway system stopped working on Tuesday after someone placed objects on train tracks in many places. Officials believe it was sabotage.

The problems began around 5:30 a.m. local time. ProRail, the company that runs the rail network, said it found pipes and other materials tied to tracks at more than 20 locations. Most of these places were in the middle and east of the country.

"This causes section malfunctions. Sabotage appears to be involved," ProRail said in a statement. The objects made the signalling system think trains were on the tracks, so all trains had to stop.

Train Services Hit Hard

National railway company NS said train services around the central cities of Zwolle, Deventer and Amersfoort were hit the hardest during the morning rush hour. The disruption also affected international trains to Germany.

One train hit a tube near Steenwijk in Overijssel. ProRail said no one was hurt.

The broken signals also caused problems on the roads. Several level crossings had to stay closed, which disrupted road traffic in the area.

Timing Linked to Budget Day

The disruption happened on Prinsjesdag, the day the Dutch government presents its yearly budget to parliament. On this day, King Willem-Alexander gives a speech and the royal family rides through The Hague in horse-drawn carriages. Thousands of people come to watch.

Authorities have not said if the sabotage is connected to Budget Day. But the timing caused major travel problems for people trying to get to The Hague for the event.

Investigation Underway

The National Police are leading the investigation. ProRail workers are being careful when they remove the materials. They are wearing gloves so police can check for fingerprints later.

"It is not yet known who is responsible or what the motive is," ProRail said. No group has claimed responsibility.

Annet Bertram, the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, said she was "deeply concerned" and called for a thorough investigation.

Background of Protests

The budget plans have caused protests in recent months. Labour unions are angry about plans to cut social benefits. Farmers say they are being unfairly blamed for nitrogen pollution. Farmers had planned to protest in The Hague on Tuesday.

This is not the first time the Dutch rail network has been disrupted by suspected sabotage on a major event day. During last year's NATO summit in The Hague, trains around Schiphol airport were severely delayed after a fire.