Sabotage fears cause hours-long train delays across Italy

Train passengers across Italy faced delays of up to three hours on Saturday after suspected acts of sabotage disrupted rail infrastructure near the northern city of Bologna, as the country prepared for the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics.

Italian police reported three separate incidents at different locations, severely affecting high-speed, Intercity and regional train services.

The Transport Ministry described the incidents as an act of “serious sabotage,” drawing parallels with the opening day of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, when coordinated attacks on France’s high-speed TGV network caused widespread travel disruption.

State-owned railway operator Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) said it was forced to temporarily close Bologna’s high-speed station. Train traffic was gradually returning to normal by Saturday afternoon.

Police said a cabin housing a track switch was set on fire before dawn near the Adriatic city of Pesaro. Several hours later, electrical cables used to detect train speeds were found cut in Bologna, and a rudimentary explosive device was discovered beside tracks in the surrounding area.

Authorities said no group had claimed responsibility for the incidents, which appeared to have been coordinated.

Bologna is a major railway junction connecting Italy’s east-to-west lines and serving as the main hub linking southern regions with northern cities such as Milan and Venice.

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Milan is co-hosting the Winter Olympics alongside Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is accessible by train from Venice.

Passengers voiced anger and frustration as delays mounted throughout the day.

“One device was found in Bologna this morning, but still nothing. Everything is still blocked,” one passenger said.

Another commuter criticized the disruption, saying: “For us commuters who already travel from Naples to Bologna to work in schools, encountering such inconvenience is unacceptable.”

Italian passenger Carla Mariotti said her train from Bologna was delayed for hours without clear communication.

“I’m angry because our train was supposed to leave at 11:20 a.m. They tossed us around, our train disappeared, and they didn’t warn us,” she said. “After an hour and a half, they told us the train left from another platform. Two hours late — a disaster.”

Anna Costantini said she and her companions were forced to return to Venice after their trip to Rome.

“We’ve been in Rome for five days and had a wonderful time, but now we’re probably facing an hour’s delay,” she said.

Another passenger, Marta Raniere, said she arrived three hours late from Florence.

“From Florence Santa Maria Novella, 180 minutes late. I left at 10:43 this morning. I don’t know the reason, but I’m glad I made it,” she said.

Investigations into the incidents are ongoing as authorities work to restore full rail services and determine those responsible.

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