Germany’s Rail Network Disrupted as Unknown Attackers Cut Key Cables

Unknown perpetrators cut critical cables at Gelsenkirchen Central Station in Germany overnight, paralysing one of the Ruhr region’s key rail arteries. Police have not ruled out targeted sabotage as investigators move in.

Unknown perpetrators cut cables at Gelsenkirchen Central Station, causing major disruption to rail transport across parts of the Ruhr region. Police stated that sabotage cannot be ruled out, and the case has been taken over by state security authorities. The damage was discovered at around one o’clock in the morning. "Our technicians worked throughout the night to repair the damaged cables," a railway spokesperson said.

Despite these efforts, many trains were unable to enter the station during the morning peak. Long-distance services were diverted, skipping stops in Gelsenkirchen, Recklinghausen, and Oberhausen. In regional transport, passengers on many lines were forced to rely on replacement bus services.

Repairs Completed, But Questions Remain

By around eight o’clock in the morning, railway operators announced that the damage had been repaired. "Our technicians managed to repair and test the damaged cables," the spokesperson added.

However, the incident is not isolated. Last summer and autumn, police—particularly in western Germany—reported a series of deliberate cable damage cases on railway lines. Even then, authorities did not rule out sabotage.

Czech Case Shows Similar Risks

There is no need to look far for comparable incidents. Similar cases have repeatedly occurred on Czech railways. Recently, a 32-year-old repeat offender from northern Czechia demonstrated how stealing copper can have serious consequences. With considerable effort, he dug up seven metres of signalling cable from the ground. While he gained only a negligible sum at a scrap yard, he effectively paralysed railway operations. Police arrested the offender, who had repeatedly damaged railway infrastructure in northern Czechia. Despite being on probation, he continued digging up cables. He now faces up to six years in prison.

The case began with a February incident between the stations of Ohníč and Světec. The offender cut seven metres of cable, a key component of the signalling system.

The consequences were immediate: six track circuits and four signals were put out of operation. These systems allow dispatchers to monitor train movements and are essential for traffic control. "This resulted in a direct disruption of the proper and safe operation of the railway," explained police spokesperson Ilona Gazdošová. In practice, this meant the system could no longer "see" where trains were located, which is a critical safety failure.