An explosion in an electrical cabinet on a double-decker train traveling from Uitgeest to Alkmaar injured one passenger and caused significant disruption Monday evening. The incident occurred around 8:18 PM, prompting the immediate halt of the train, which was carrying approximately 650 people.

The explosion, which happened on the train’s balcony near the boarding area, resulted in a passenger being struck in the head by debris from the cabinet. The injured individual was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment.

In addition to the injury, three other passengers reported feeling unwell due to smoke inhalation following the explosion.

The failure of the air conditioning and ventilation systems due to the loss of power created uncomfortable conditions inside the carriages, with passengers likening the situation to being “just like in a car left in the sun.” Passengers gestured the conditions to the arriving emergency services.

Passengers were eventually evacuated from the train, and the first group was transported to Alkmaar station by an evacuation train within an hour.

Authorities believe the explosion was likely caused by a “defect in the train” rather than a deliberate act.

The affected train was identified as a VIRM model double-decker, the most common type of train in the Netherlands. These trains, built between 1994 and 2009, are currently undergoing a major refurbishment program by NS.

NS has launched an investigation into the incident, and an independent investigation by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate may also be conducted.

NS emphasized the rarity of such incidents, stating that passenger safety is their top priority and that such explosions are “very unusual.”

The incident follows another unusual event on the Dutch railway last week, where a fire near the Schiphol tunnel damaged power cables and disrupted train traffic between the airport and major stations. Police suspect that fire was intentionally set.