The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina got off to a rough start: incidents in the northern Italian railway network caused delays of up to 150 minutes and affected thousands of passengers. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, under Matteo Salvini, points to a possible sabotage in key stations such as Bologna and Pesaro.
Incidents Detailed in Northern Italy
The first alert came at 8:30 local time in Castel Maggiore, near Bologna, where they found cut cables on the tracks. Hours later, between Bologna and Padua, an explosive device appeared, and in Pesaro, a fire in an electrical cabin was reported. These incidents paralyzed regional and high-speed trains heading to Turin, Milan, Venice, and Brescia, key venues for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Suspicions of Anarchist Origin and Parallels with Paris 2024
The authorities describe the episodes as “concerning” and reminiscent of the “acts of terrorism” that hit the French railway network during the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where sabotage caused massive chaos. Preliminary investigations suggest acts of anarchist sabotage, not isolated, but directed to boycott the 2026 Winter Olympics. Ferrovie dello Stato confirms the impact on essential routes.
Official Reactions and Context of the 2026 Winter Olympics
From Bormio, Salvini denounced a “sabotage” against high-speed rail, stating that it confirms discontent towards Italy if premeditation is proven. The 2026 Winter Olympics were inaugurated on Friday at the San Siro stadium in Milan, with President Sergio Mattarella at the helm. The ceremony included Andrea Bocelli and the innovation of two torches in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
This context recalls historical patterns: Italian anarchist groups have claimed actions against infrastructure in past protests, such as in 2021 against the G20. Experts in Olympic security warn that such incidents could repeat themselves in massive events, demanding increased vigilance. Thousands of athletes and spectators rely on that network to compete in alpine skiing and other disciplines.
- Key Impact: Delays in access to tests in Bormio and Cortina.
- Measures: Police reinforcement in critical stations.
- Background: Similar to sabotage in France, with cut cables and fires.
The investigation advances to clarify motivations, while the 2026 Winter Olympics continue under maximum alert, ensuring the safety of participants and the public in this historic debut for Italy.
