Suspected sabotage caused major disruptions to train services across central and northern parts of the Netherlands on Tuesday morning.

Dutch rail infrastructure operator ProRail reported that pipes had been deliberately attached to tracks at more than 20 locations, triggering section malfunctions in the signaling system. The interference made sections appear occupied when they were not, halting safe train operations.

The first reports of issues emerged around 5:30 a.m. local time. A train collided with one such pipe near Steenwijk, though no injuries occurred. Services were canceled or delayed on routes including those to Schiphol Airport, Utrecht, Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoort. Some level crossings also malfunctioned, affecting road traffic.

ProRail stated that the incident appeared to involve intentional human action and sabotage. Workers removed the materials while preserving evidence for police. The national police unit is leading the investigation, with the intelligence service AIVD assisting. No suspects or motives have been identified.

The disruptions coincided with Prinsjesdag, the annual opening of the Dutch parliamentary year when the government presents its budget. Train operator NS began restoring limited services by mid-morning but warned that full schedules would not resume until later in the day. Passengers were advised to check the Reisplanner app for updates.

Several activist groups, including Extinction Rebellion and farmers' organization Agractie, denied any involvement. This marks at least the second major rail disruption linked to suspected sabotage on a significant national event day in recent times.

ProRail emphasized that its priority remains restoring operations safely while cooperating fully with authorities.