No trains between Amsterdam and Utrecht after lightning strike

Train services on one of the busiest stretches of track in the Netherlands are expected to be suspended until Wednesday evening after a lightning strike between Breukelen and Utrecht.

All trains between Amsterdam and Utrecht have been cancelled until at least 2pm, after the damage was reported in mid-morning, operator NS said.

Local website AT5 reported that the disruption was likely to continue until at least 7pm.

One train lost power and came to a halt on the track as a result of the lightning strike, but it was not directly hit. NS is trying to send another train to collect the stranded passengers.

Track operator ProRail said the damage could not be assessed until Wednesday’s storms have passed over. The meteorological bureau KNMI has issued a code yellow warning for Utrecht province until 6pm.

“A lightning strike involves a huge voltage and can cause all kinds of damage,” a ProRail spokesman said. “We don’t yet know which instruments aren’t working.”

Lightning strikes are also causing delays and reduced services on other routes in and out of Utrecht, including Intercity trains to Eindhoven and Arnhem.

Passengers have been advised to seek alternative transport methods.