Dusseldorf-Duisburg train services remain disrupted
Arson Attacks on Düsseldorf-Duisburg Railway Line: Disruptions Continue
Two arson attacks on the key railway line between Düsseldorf and Duisburg, carried out by suspected left-wing extremists, have caused major service disruptions since July 31, 2025. The attacks targeted cable ducts along the line, leading to fires that paralyzed train operations and forced Deutsche Bahn to implement shuttle buses and reroute long-distance traffic.
The first fire was discovered in Kalkum, and the second was found two kilometers away in Angermund. The police suspect sabotage and are investigating the incidents, with the state's criminal investigation department leading the investigation. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul has also stated that the arson attacks are likely the work of left-wing extremists.
The affected train services include ICE trains to and from Berlin, the S1 line, and several regional express lines. Disruptions were expected to continue until at least the morning of August 2, 2025. Deutsche Bahn is responsible for repairing the damage on the railway line, and the repairs are still ongoing. After the repairs, test runs will be conducted before the trains can run on schedule again in the morning.
The cables on the railway line will need to be thoroughly tested before the line can be put back into operation. Replacement buses are operating between Düsseldorf and Duisburg to accommodate passengers during the repairs. Passengers can find more information about the current disruptions and regional train services on various websites, such as the police's current report, Deutsche Bahn's statement on the matter, RP's report on the incident, and the disruption map from Zuginfo.NRW.
Currently, the state security force is focusing on left-wing extremist motives that align with previous sabotage actions in the Düsseldorf area. Deutsche Bahn and local authorities have worked on repairs since evidence collection completed around midday of the second incident day. However, full restoration of normal train services on this heavily trafficked route (over 620 trains daily) may take several days, with passenger delays and cancellations persisting through at least the weekend following the attacks.
The police are currently investigating the arson attacks, suspecting sabotage, and are also looking into claims of responsibility posted on a left-wing platform. A left-wing extremist group calling itself the "Angry Birds Commando" claimed responsibility in a letter published on the left-wing platform Indymedia, though police are still verifying its authenticity.
Passengers are advised to check the latest updates on their train services and plan their travel accordingly. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The disruptions on the Düsseldorf-Duisburg railway line, caused by arson attacks, have extended to the transportation sector, affecting public-transit services such as Deutsche Bahn's ICE trains, S1 line, and regional express lines. Amidst this, the finance industry may face potential losses due to general-news coverage of the ongoing crime-and-justice incident, with industry stakeholders keeping a close eye on updates. The industry will also be interested in any developments in the investigation, particularly related to the suspected left-wing extremists, as similar incidents have occurred in the past.
