Loose freight load disrupts train service again in northern Israel

A load of metal components that fell overnight from a freight car caused major rail disruptions on Thursday morning, cutting the direct train link between northern and southern Israel and likely delaying tens of thousands of commuters. The incident is expected to affect workers traveling to their jobs, especially in and around Haifa.

Train service was temporarily halted between Haifa Hof HaCarmel, Haifa Bat Galim, Haifa Center HaShmona, and Mifratz Central. In addition, train routes, frequencies, and stopping patterns in the north were changed: trains from the north now end at Mifratz Central, while trains from the south are running only as far as Hof HaCarmel.

The disruption has also caused heavy crowding on the Metronit bus network and on buses running along the rail stations in Haifa. Trains heading south from the north are operating under severe congestion. Israel Railways said passengers in Haifa and the north should consider alternative transportation, and added that crews are working to restore normal service. The company said the event is under review and being investigated.

The incident comes about a year after a similar freight mishap in August 2025, when a cargo train damaged power cables at Ganot and near Hadera after a load had been secured carelessly, causing weeks of service disruption and damage estimated at tens of thousands of shekels. Despite leadership changes since then, freight vice president Israel Marco, who approved that train’s departure, remains in office, as does board chairman attorney Moshe Shem Tov. The rail company is currently led by acting CEO Avner Flor, who was not in the role a year ago.