Railway Sabotage Causes Disruption During Winter Olympics
Authorities in northern Italy have reported suspected sabotage attacks on the region's railway network, resulting in significant travel disruptions as thousands gathered for the commencement of the Winter Olympic Games.
Police confirmed three separate incidents involving damage to railway infrastructure, which they believe are linked to the Olympic events.
A fire damaged rail infrastructure between Bologna and Venice, causing delays of up to two and a half hours. Subsequently, police discovered severed cables and an explosive device nearby.
The Ministry of Transport described the incidents as acts of "serious sabotage," noting similarities to vandalism that occurred during the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Authorities reported that a track switch was deliberately set on fire near Pesaro, located on the Adriatic coast. Several hours later, severed electric cables and a rudimentary explosive device were found near Bologna, positioned close to the railway tracks.
Bologna’s railway station serves as a major transport hub, connecting cities across northern and southern Italy, as well as east-west routes.
"These actions of unprecedented seriousness do not in any way tarnish Italy's image in the world, an image that the Games will make even more compelling and positive," said Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.
A police spokesperson stated that investigations into the incidents are ongoing and that no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Salvini drew parallels between these events and sabotage during the Paris Summer Olympics, when France’s high-speed rail network was targeted.
"There are similarities in action and timing to the French incident," he told AFP.
Due to the sabotage, Bologna’s high-speed, state-owned railway was temporarily closed, though traffic began returning to normal by Saturday afternoon.
The Winter Olympics opening ceremony took place on Friday evening across multiple locations: Milan, Cortina in northeastern Italy, and two other sites. Both Milan and Cortina are accessible by train from Venice.
Olympic events are distributed over a wide area in northern Italy, including the Alps and Dolomite mountain ranges.
