Italy says railways hit by 'serious sabotage' as Winter Olympics begin

Suspected sabotage on Italy's railway network has caused major disruptions as the Winter Olympics begin. Authorities are investigating three incidents of damage to railway lines linked to the Games. A fire damaged infrastructure between Bologna and Venice, leading to delays of up to two-and-a-half hours. Authorities found severed cables and an explosive device nearby.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the acts as "serious sabotage," comparing them to vandalism during the Paris Olympics. Bologna's rail station, a key transport hub, experienced temporary closures. Traffic is slowly returning to normal. The Olympic opening ceremony took place in Milan and Cortina.