Italian authorities have reported multiple acts of sabotage on railway lines in northern Italy, causing significant travel disruptions as the Winter Olympic Games commenced. The incidents, involving arson, severed cables, and an explosive device, are under investigation with suspicions of a link to the international sporting event.
On Saturday morning, police discovered a track switch set alight near the coastal city of Pesaro, followed by the finding of severed electric cables and a makeshift explosive device near Bologna’s railway station. These coordinated attacks targeted critical infrastructure, leading to delays of up to two-and-a-half hours for high-speed, Intercity, and regional train services. Bologna, a major transport hub connecting northern and southern Italy as well as east-west routes, was particularly affected, stranding thousands of passengers during the peak travel period for the Olympics.
The Italian Transport Ministry, led by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, described the events as “serious sabotage” and expressed concern over the disruption to travelers. Salvini emphasized that such actions do not tarnish Italy’s global image, which he believes will be enhanced by the successful hosting of the Games. Police are actively investigating the incidents but have not yet identified any perpetrators or received claims of responsibility, keeping the motive unclear amid heightened security measures.
The timing coincides with the opening of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which began on Friday evening with ceremonies in multiple locations across northern Italy. Rail travel is essential for accessing venues spread over hundreds of miles, including alpine regions, making the sabotage a direct threat to the event’s logistics. Milan and Cortina, the co-host cities, are reachable by train from Venice, and the disruptions posed challenges for athletes, officials, and spectators arriving for the first day of competitions.
Officials have drawn parallels to similar incidents during the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024, where saboteurs damaged France’s high-speed rail network. Salvini noted “similarities in action and timing,” suggesting a potential pattern of targeting major international events. This comparison underscores the global nature of security threats facing large-scale gatherings and the need for robust countermeasures to protect critical infrastructure.
Despite the sabotage, authorities moved quickly to restore services, with traffic returning to normal by Saturday afternoon after temporary closures of key rail lines. The resilience of Italy’s transport system was highlighted, but the events have raised alarms about vulnerability to coordinated attacks. Security forces remain on high alert, not only for physical threats but also for cyber-attacks, as Italy recently foiled attempts by Russian hackers targeting Olympic facilities.
In the aftermath, the focus shifts to ensuring the smooth progression of the Winter Games while investigating the sabotage. The incidents have sparked discussions on enhancing security protocols for future events and the broader implications for international sports diplomacy. For now, the Olympics continue, with officials urging the public to remain vigilant but confident in Italy’s ability to host a memorable and safe competition.
