https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czr4rx04xjpo BBC Homepage * Skip to content * Accessibility Help * Your account * Home * News * Sport * Earth * Reel * Worklife * Travel * Culture * Future * Music * TV * Weather * Sounds * More menu More menu Search BBC * Home * News * Sport * Earth * Reel * Worklife * Travel * Culture * Future * Music * TV * Weather * Sounds Close menu BBC News Menu * Home * Israel-Gaza war * War in Ukraine * Climate * Video * World * US & Canada * UK * Business * Tech More * Science * Entertainment & Arts * Health * In Pictures * BBC Verify * World News TV * Newsbeat * World * Africa * Asia * Australia * Europe * Latin America * Middle East Italy says railways hit by 'serious sabotage' as Winter Olympics begin A view of train tracks in Bologna Image source, NurPhoto ByRachel Muller-Heyndyk * Published 6 hours ago Suspected attacks on northern Italy's railway network have led to severe travel disruption in the region, the authorities say, as thousands gathered for the start of the Winter Olympic Games. Police reported three separate incidents involving damage to railway lines that they believe are connected to the Games. A fire hit rail infrastructure between Bologna and Venice, triggering delays of up to two-and-a-half hours, and police later found severed cables and an explosive device in locations nearby. The Ministry of Transport called the incidents an act of "serious sabotage", which they said mirrored vandalism during the Paris Olympics in 2024. Police said a track switch was set alight near Pesaro, on the Adriatic coast. Several hours later, police discovered severed electric cables near Bologna, along with a rudimentary explosive device left by a track nearby. Bologna's rail station is a major transport hub, linking cities in the north and south, and east to west lines. "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 earlier said that they were investigating the incidents and that no one had claimed responsibility. * Italy foils 'Russian cyber-attacks' at Winter Games + Published 2 days ago * All you need to know about the 2026 Winter Olympics + Published 1 day ago Salvini compared the events to the Paris Summer Olympics, when saboteurs damaged France's high speed rail network. "There are similarities in action and timing to the French incident," he told AFP. Bologna's high speed, state-owned railway had to temporarily close, but traffic was returning to normal by Saturday afternoon. The opening ceremony of the Games took place on Friday evening in Milan, in Cortina in northeastern Italy and two other locations. Milan and Cortina are both reachable by train from Venice. Events are spread over hundreds of miles of northern Italy, in locations including the Alps and Dolomite mountains. Related topics * Rail travel * Italy Top stories * Foreign Office to review Mandelson's US ambassador pay-off + Published 33 minutes ago * MPs are shocked and angry at Mandelson - but they're furious with Starmer + Published 13 hours ago * GB reach curling semi as Muir impresses in slopestyle qualification + Published 7 hours ago More to explore * Their parents are in disgrace - what now for Beatrice and Eugenie? Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie * Could Bad Bunny set off political fireworks at the Super Bowl half-time show? 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The Evidence: Anaesthesia Most read 1. 1 Foreign Office to review Mandelson's US ambassador pay-off 2. 2 Italy says railways hit by 'serious sabotage' as Winter Olympics begin 3. 3 I was fined PS70 after a pothole burst my tyre 4. 4 Their parents are in disgrace - what now for Beatrice and Eugenie? 5. 5 MPs are shocked and angry at Mandelson - but they're furious with Starmer 6. 6 Husband reported wife missing, then her body was found in wedding dress bag 7. 7 Emails reveal more details of Epstein's celeb dinner for Andrew 8. 8 'It immerses you in fantasy': Why Bridgerton tourism is booming 9. 9 Could Bad Bunny set off political fireworks at the Super Bowl half-time show? 10. 10 Mystery of abandoned village that could be from post-apocalyptic horror movie BBC News Services * On your mobile * On smart speakers * Get news alerts * Contact BBC News * Home * News * Sport * Earth * Reel * Worklife * Travel * Culture * Future * Music * TV * Weather * Sounds * Terms of Use * About the BBC * Privacy Policy * Cookies * Accessibility Help * Parental Guidance * Contact the BBC * BBC emails for you * Advertise with us Copyright (c) 2026 BBC. 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