Significant disruptions are impacting rail services between Duisburg and Düsseldorf following a suspected arson attack on the railway line. Police confirmed the discovery of a second point of damage, also attributed to deliberate fire-setting. The North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Interior Ministry verified the incident as a targeted act involving an incendiary device.
The damaged cables have resulted in substantial interruptions to both regional and long-distance rail traffic. Bus replacement services have been implemented to assist affected passengers.
Deutsche Bahn stated that repair work on the affected section will likely continue throughout the entire day. The second damaged location presents particular challenges due to its difficult accessibility, further complicating restoration efforts. Several regional express lines and ICE (Intercity Express) connections are impacted, resulting in rerouting and delays for travelers.
Authorities are investigating the incident as a case of suspected sabotage. Police are currently assessing a declaration reportedly published on the Indymedia platform.
Incident investigators are on site to further examine the circumstances of the attack. A train driver initially noticed the fire and alerted emergency services, after which railway personnel initiated firefighting measures. Police are warning against individuals attempting to exploit the situation and state protection services are conducting inquiries across a wide range of avenues.
