On the morning of Feb. 7, suspected saboteurs damaged railway infrastructure near the northern Italian city of Bologna, the Transport Ministry said, disrupting train services on the first full day of the Winter Olympic Games.
Three separate incidents at different locations across the network caused delays of up to two-and-a-half hours for high-speed, Intercity and regional services, officials said.
What authorities reported
Police detailed the incidents: a cabin housing a track switch was set on fire before dawn near the Adriatic city of Pesaro; electrical cables used to detect train speeds were later found severed in Bologna; and a rudimentary explosive device was discovered beside tracks at a nearby location. A spokeswoman said no group had claimed responsibility and the attacks appeared coordinated.
Government and operator response
The Transport Ministry called the events an act of "serious sabotage," comparing them to the disruptions that hit France's TGV network on the opening day of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The ministry — led by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini — said the strikes would not tarnish Italy's international image and that the Games would showcase the country positively.
State-owned Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) temporarily closed Bologna's high-speed station; officials reported that traffic was slowly returning to normal by Saturday afternoon as repairs and safety checks were carried out.
Why it matters
Bologna is a major rail junction linking Italy's east-west lines and connecting the south with northern cities such as Milan and Venice. Disruptions there can ripple across the national network and affect travel to Winter Games venues — Milan and Cortina — which rely on rail links for spectators and participants.
Investigation under way
Police and railway investigators are continuing to probe the incidents, gather evidence and review CCTV and rail-monitoring data. Authorities have not released information about suspects or motives and urged the public to report any relevant information.
"These actions of unprecedented seriousness do not in any way tarnish Italy's image in the world," the Transport Ministry said, adding that the Games would nonetheless present a positive image of the country.
