Rail service disrupted due to arson incidents; third fire in Deutsche Bahn's operations within two consecutive days
In a series of deliberate arson attacks, crucial rail cables along key freight and passenger corridors in Germany have been targeted, causing major disruption to passenger and freight rail services over multiple days. At least three incidents occurred within a short span of days, with two fires near Düsseldorf and Duisburg in western Germany, and a third in Hohenmölsen in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt[1][2][3].
Disruption to Key Rail Lines
The fire near Hohenmölsen affected a line used mainly for coal transport, while the cable fires near Düsseldorf-Duisburg severely disrupted one of Germany’s busiest rail corridors connecting the Ruhr industrial region with northern Europe and Switzerland. This disruption led to the cancellation or rerouting of several hundred trains and impacted tens of thousands of passengers[1][2][4][5].
Investigation and Motives
Responsibility for the first attack was claimed by a far-left group named the "Angry Birds Kommando", which stated that the arson was a political protest against what they called a "system of destruction" harming the environment. This suggests a motive rooted in radical environmental activism[1][2][3]. However, no information was provided about the responsibility for the second and third fires.
Germany's rail lines have frequently been the target of attacks, and these latest incidents are being treated as serious criminal sabotage. Authorities have been working to recover and repair the damaged cable segments to restore service rapidly[1][2][3][4][5]. The line between Dusseldorf and Duisburg, where the two earlier attacks were reported, has been repaired.
Impact on Passengers
The repairs required the replacement of five cable sections, each about 20 meters long. Deutsche Bahn reported that several hundred trains had to be cancelled or diverted as a result of these incidents. Tens of thousands of passengers were affected by the cancellations and diversions.
This coordinated series of arson attacks serves as a stark reminder of the potential for disruption to essential infrastructure, particularly in the context of growing concerns about environmental activism and its impact on critical industries. As the investigation continues, authorities will be working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
[1] Deutsche Bahn reports cable fires on rail lines
[2] Arson attacks on Deutsche Bahn rail lines in Germany
[3] Radical environmental group claims responsibility for rail arson attack
[4] Thousands affected by rail disruptions in Germany
[5] Repairs completed on rail line between Dusseldorf and Duisburg
- The arson attacks on Deutsche Bahn rail lines, which have caused major disruptions to passenger and freight services, are also being categorized as crime-and-justice incidents due to their potential impact on essential infrastructure.
- The radical environmental group "Angry Birds Kommando," responsible for one of the rail arson attacks, has politicized the incidents by framing them as a protest against what they call a destructive system harming the environment (general-news), suggesting a link between certain political ideologies and such criminal acts.
