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Railways “associated with the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics” suffered suspected “sabotage” on Friday, the US State Department’s Consular Affairs Department announced on Saturday.
The Rome-Naples, Rome-Florence and Rome-Milan high-speed lines reportedly suffered damage earlier Saturday, the agency said, citing confirmation from the Italian government.
“On February 13, the Italian authorities announced enhanced security measures to prevent rail network disruptions during the Winter Olympic Games. These efforts include increased trackside patrols and strict technical monitoring of rail services,” the agency’s statement posted on social media said.
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A general view of the Tofane Mountains as Winter Olympic mascot Tina welcomes the crowd ahead of the Women’s Alpine Skiing at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, Cortina d’Ampezzo, on day two of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. (Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)
“Avoid areas of disruption and exercise caution when traveling by train. Use good situational awareness and try to leave any affected areas immediately,” the statement continued.
Authorities were investigating burnt cables, according to Reuters.
Officials urged anyone traveling on the lines to take extra care and allow additional travel time.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the actions.
“These are hate crimes against workers and against Italy,” he said via Reuters. “I hope no one trivializes or tries to justify these crimes that put lives at risk.”
General view as gold medalist Xandra Velzeboer of Team Netherlands, silver medalist Arianna Fontana of Team Italy and bronze medalist Courtney Sarault of Team Canada take part in the national anthem during the medal ceremony for the Short Track Speed Skating Women’s 500m on day six of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Arena at Milan 2020 Skating 1 in Milan, Feb. 2. Italy. (Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)
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National Police said these were “definitely criminal acts.”
Similar incidents occurred earlier in the Games, with the BBC reporting that severed cables and an explosive were found between Bologna and Venice.
“These acts of unprecedented seriousness in no way tarnish Italy’s image in the world, an image that the Games will make even more convincing and positive,” Salvini said at the time of the first incident.
A general view inside the Arena during the figure skating team event Men Single Skating – Short Program for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan. (Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Games will end on February 22, a week from Sunday.
