Saboteurs have caused damage to railway infrastructure close to the northern Italian city of Bologna on the morning of Saturday, impacting train services on the initial full day of the Winter Olympics, as confirmed by the Transport Ministry. Police have reported three distinct incidents at various locations, resulting in delays exceeding two hours for high-speed, intercity, and regional train routes in some instances.
The ministry described the acts as “serious sabotage,” drawing parallels to the commencement of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, where saboteurs targeted France’s high-speed TGV train network, leading to widespread travel disruptions. Despite the disruptions, the ministry, led by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, emphasized that these unprecedented actions do not diminish Italy’s global reputation, which the Games will further enhance positively.
The state-owned railway company, Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), had to temporarily shut down its high-speed station in Bologna, but operations were gradually returning to normal by Saturday afternoon. Authorities revealed that a track switch cabin was deliberately set on fire near the city of Pesaro at dawn, while electrical cables responsible for detecting train speeds were found cut in Bologna later on. Additionally, a basic explosive device was uncovered near a track in close proximity.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the incidents, a spokesperson noted that the events seemed coordinated. Bologna serves as a critical intersection for Italy’s east-west railway connections and plays a pivotal role in linking southern cities like Milan and Venice in the north.
Milan, a co-host of the Winter Games alongside Cortina, accessible by train from Venice, stands as a key player in the event.