Faulty overhead wire suspension caused major Danish rail disruption

A faulty suspension system holding up overhead power lines on western Zealand was identified overnight as the likely cause of widespread train cancellations across eastern Denmark on Tuesday, state rail operator Banedanmark confirmed.

The defect, located near Forlev between Slagelse and Korsør, caused the suspension to hang too low, damaging the pantograph current collectors on passing trains, according to Banedanmark’s deputy traffic director Nicolai Smidt Sigsgaard.

“This isn’t something you’d notice immediately, but the consequences can spread through the system much later,” Sigsgaard explained, linking the initial fault to subsequent incidents including a torn-down power line near Køge Nord and a tangled wire on an InterCity train at Copenhagen Central Station.

Banedanmark’s area manager Anders Barratt told Ritzau the low-hanging suspension likely struck trains’ pantographs, altering their function. “Once a pantograph takes that kind of hit, it behaves abnormally. That can destroy it and, in the worst case, tear down power lines or other infrastructure,” he said.

The agency has not yet determined why the suspension was too low. Over 30 train units require workshop inspections after damage was found to their pantograph carbon strips, which ensure proper current flow.

DSB, Denmark’s national rail service, reported Wednesday that Sjælland routes were operating at half capacity, with expectations to reach 80 percent by Thursday and full service by Friday morning as repairs progress.