Italy says railways hit by ‘serious sabotage’ as Winter Olympics begin

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.

Read more: BBC News