Train halted near Hilversum after false bomb threat; One suspect still detained
A train traveling between Amersfoort and Amsterdam was stopped near Hilversum on Friday afternoon after a passenger falsely claimed there was a bomb on board, AD reported. Three people were initially arrested in connection with the incident, but two were later released, police said.
The disruption began around 3:00 p.m. when a passenger called 112 after another individual on the train shouted that a bomb was present. “The train was immediately halted, and passengers were evacuated,” a police spokesperson said. The section of track between Hilversum and Baarn was closed for several hours while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team examined the train. Passengers were temporarily transported by bus until the train was cleared.
Of the three initially detained, one man was found not to have been involved in the incident and was released Friday evening. A second man, who remains a suspect, was also released but received a fine. According to police, he is suspected of making threats during the journey. He had been traveling with the third man, who remains in custody.
The third suspect is being investigated for making the false bomb threat, possibly in response to a prior incident on the train. “He has, of course, made a serious threat on the train with significant consequences,” a police spokesperson said. Authorities indicated he is likely to remain in custody overnight and may be presented to the examining magistrate later.
During the initial response, police conducted a large-scale operation, removing passengers from the train and conducting searches before arranging bus transport to continue their journeys. At least one suspect was temporarily blindfolded, a standard procedure in serious threat situations to maintain control and safety while transporting individuals and to prevent the suspect from seeing officers’ identities or the route to police custody.
