Severous train disruptions caused by cable blaze on railway line in North Rhine-Westphalia - Railway line disruption due to cable blaze in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)
A suspected arson attack on one of Germany's busiest rail lines in Düsseldorf has caused significant disruptions to train services in western Germany, with long delays expected[1][2]. The cables affected belong to a signal box in Duisburg, but the fire broke out in the Düsseldorf city area[2].
The incident has caused numerous lines to be affected in local and long-distance traffic, with the S1 suburban railway line and several regional lines impacted in local traffic[2]. Regional and long-distance trains are being diverted via less affected secondary rail lines where possible[1]. Replacement bus services are running between Düsseldorf and Duisburg or on intermediate points to bypass the damaged track section[1]. Some long-distance traffic is being rerouted via Dortmund and Wuppertal - and vice versa[2].
The state criminal investigation department is investigating the incident in all directions, with the Düsseldorf police checking the authenticity of a claim of responsibility published on the left-wing platform "Indymedia" by a group called "Commando Angry Birds"[2]. The entire area around Duisburg-Großenbaum in the south of the Ruhr region is not passable[2].
Sixty meters of cable at the fire site need to be replaced, and two more damaged cables have been discovered[2]. The police are treating the incident as a suspected act of sabotage[2]. The disruption is expected to continue until at least Friday afternoon[2].
For passengers affected by the disruptions, railways authorities advise checking live updates from Deutsche Bahn or local transit authorities for the latest information on routes and alternative transport options[1][2]. Shuttle buses are running between Düsseldorf Airport and Düsseldorf Central Station, and between the main stations of both cities[2]. Temporarily suspended work on a parallel freight line in Duisburg-Wedau is being used to handle some of the traffic[2].
In summary, the main alternatives for travelers between Düsseldorf and Duisburg currently involve using replacement bus services operating alongside or instead of trains, taking regional train detours on secondary lines if available, and considering longer rerouting options on other north-south corridors where possible[1]. Consulting Deutsche Bahn's live disruption notices and local transit advisories is essential for precise and timely alternatives[1].
Tens of thousands of passengers are expected to be affected in long-distance traffic alone[2]. The ICE lines to Berlin and Frankfurt am Main, as well as connections to northern Germany, southern Germany, and the Netherlands are affected[2]. The regional trains RE1, RE5, RE6, and RE19 are being rerouted[2].
The incident has caused significant disruptions to train services in western Germany, with long delays expected. Passengers are advised to check live updates for the latest information on routes and alternative transport options.
- The community policy on alternative transportation methods should be made readily available to residents in light of the ongoing disruptions in train services due to the suspected arson attack in Düsseldorf.
- Given the expected prolonged disruptions in train services, the employment policy for those working in affected industries like finance or transportation might need to adapt, perhaps by allowing flexible working hours or telecommuting.
- Due to the disruptions in train services, local general-news outlets should consider providing more coverage on alternative modes of transportation and crime-and-justice updates relevant to the ongoing investigation.
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