Police discovery of a parked vehicle suggests potential sabotage incident
===================================================================
A major disruption to rail traffic between Duisburg and Düsseldorf, Germany, occurred on July 31, 2025, due to a deliberately set fire in a cable duct near Düsseldorf. The incident has caused significant delays and disruptions, affecting numerous train services, including high-speed connections to Berlin and Frankfurt.
The fire was initially detected by a train driver, who alerted authorities. The disruption paralysed the main north-south railway line throughout the day. Investigations commenced immediately, with law enforcement and state security services examining the scene. Experts found evidence suggesting the placement of an ignition device in the cable tunnel.
As a result, a shuttle bus service has been set up to provide alternatives for travel between Düsseldorf Airport and Duisburg Central Station, as well as between the main stations of the two cities. The regional trains RE1, RE5, RE6, and RE19 are being rerouted, and the S1 suburban railway line and several regional lines are affected in local traffic.
A group calling itself "Angry Birds Commando" has claimed responsibility for the fire, publishing a letter on the left-wing platform "Indymedia." However, the authenticity of the claim is currently being checked by the Düsseldorf police. No suspects have been publicly identified or arrested to date.
Repair work is underway to replace approximately 60 meters of damaged cables before normal train operations can resume fully. Significant disruptions to train traffic are expected to continue until Friday afternoon. The state's criminal investigation department is investigating all leads in the sabotage case.
For updates on the status of train services, passengers are advised to check the zuginfo.nrw portal. Part of the long-distance traffic is being rerouted via Dortmund and Wuppertal - and vice versa. The entire area around Duisburg-Großenbaum in the south of the Ruhr area is not passable due to the disruptions.
The repair work on the damaged cables has begun after the police secured the scene. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that normal train operations will return soon. Until then, passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and make use of the shuttle bus services provided as alternatives.
- The disruption in the transportation sector, specifically rail traffic, has broader implications, affecting various industries such as finance, as companies may experience delays in their operations and transactions.
- The incident of sabotage, falling under the category of crime and justice, has raised concerns within the general news sphere, with attention focused on the claimed responsibility by a group called "Angry Birds Commando" and the ongoing investigation by Düsseldorf police.
- Instances of sabotage like this may have significant effects on the region's finance and industry sectors, potentially leading to increased insurance premiums or even losses for businesses reliant on efficient transportation networks.
