Germany: Second arson attack on rail line in two days – DW – 08/01/2025
German police said on Friday that a key railway line in the western city of Dusseldorf had been hit by a second arson attack in two days, hours after a fire in a cable duct caused widespread disruptions on the same stretch.
Police told the dpa news agency that the incendiary device used was of the same type as the one discovered following Thursday's blaze, which shut down a major line between Düsseldorf and the nearby city of Duisburg, adding that damage has once again been caused to the line.
German rail operator Deutsche Bahn spoke of "vandalism" and warned of train diversions and delays. It said disruption would likely continue until Saturday morning at least.
Among the train services affected are those serving Düsseldorf International Airport, Germany's fourth-busiest airport.
Responsibility for Thursday's incident was claimed by a self-proclaimed "Angry Birds Commando" which posted a statement on the left-wing platform Indymedia reading: "Many things would work infinitely better without the industrial system."
Police told regional public broadcaster WDR that they suspected "sabotage."
No-one has yet claimed responsibility for Friday's incident.
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