Train operations continue in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), while a fresh crime scene emerges in Saxony-Anhalt.
In a series of recent incidents, train cables have been deliberately set on fire in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Saxony-Anhalt, causing significant disruptions to train traffic and affecting hundreds of intercity and regional trains daily.
The most recent attack occurred near Webau station close to Hohenmölsen in Saxony-Anhalt on August 2, 2025, marking the third such event in a week. The arson attacks have caused considerable chaos, including the cancellation of numerous trains and the suspension of services on the heavily frequented route Duisburg-Düsseldorf, as well as an important freight line transporting coal in Saxony-Anhalt.
The investigations into these incidents are ongoing, with the police suspecting sabotage. However, as of the latest reports, no definitive information about the perpetrators has been disclosed publicly. Both the police and Deutsche Bahn are working diligently to uncover the culprits behind these attacks.
In NRW, the state protection is conducting the investigation into the cable damage in Düsseldorf. The Interior Minister of NRW, Herbert Reul (CDU), has expressed his suspicion that left-wing extremists may be responsible for the arson attack in Düsseldorf. A claim of responsibility for this incident was published on the left-wing platform "Indymedia," with a group called "Commando Angry Birds," known as a left-wing extremist participation campaign, claiming responsibility. However, the authenticity of this claim is still being checked.
Despite the ongoing investigations, life is gradually returning to normal in NRW. The replacement bus service is no longer necessary, as train traffic has resumed. The train stations in Düsseldorf and Duisburg are running as usual in the morning, and everything seems to be back on track, according to a spokesperson for Deutsche Presse-Agentur in Düsseldorf.
The nationwide central North-South axis of Deutsche Bahn was paralyzed for several days due to the cable damage. Initial investigations suggest that this cable fire in Saxony-Anhalt, which affected a freight traffic route for coal transports, was also deliberately set. The connection between the incidents in the two federal states (NRW and Saxony-Anhalt) is still unclear.
The impacts of the cable damage were felt by tens of thousands of travelers, including commuters and vacationers, including those traveling to Düsseldorf Airport. Despite the disruptions, the situation in NRW has eased, allowing rail passengers to continue their journeys as planned during the summer holidays.
As the investigations continue, the authorities and Deutsche Bahn are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the rail network. The public is urged to stay informed and to follow any updates or advisories regarding train travel.
The recent train cable arsons in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Saxony-Anhalt have brought attention to both the general-news about transportation disruptions and the crime-and-justice aspect of the ongoing investigations. The suspected sabotage incidents, including the one near Webau station and the claim of responsibility by a left-wing extremist group, have raised concerns about politics, as Interior Minister Herbert Reul accuses left-wing extremists of the Düsseldorf attack. As life slowly returns to normal in NRW, sports events and political discussions can now be attended via train without significant delays or cancellations, thanks to the resumed train services.
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