Suspected Arson on Railway Line Between Düsseldorf and Cologne in Germany
German authorities are investigating a fire next to railway tracks that may have been intentionally set. The fire damaged signal cables, causing major train disruptions.
A fire broke out next to the railway tracks on a busy route between Düsseldorf and Cologne in Germany, raising suspicions of arson. Sources indicate that a technical malfunction is unlikely to have caused the fire. The state railway operator "Deutsche Bahn" reported that the embankment between Langenfeld and Leverkusen ignited in two separate locations.
Firefighters extinguished the flames, but the fire damaged several signal cables, halting train traffic on that section. The Cologne police state security unit took over the investigation on Friday. A police spokesperson stated that investigators are checking whether a criminal offense was committed and whether the fire was deliberately set.
Rail traffic remained disrupted on Saturday. Local and long-distance trains were diverted, delayed, or canceled. A "Deutsche Bahn" spokesperson told news agency DPA that repair work would continue at least until Saturday afternoon, urging passengers to expect delays.
