Italian authorities are investigating a series of suspected sabotage attacks on railway infrastructure in northern Italy that disrupted travel services during the opening days of the Winter Olympics.

Italy’s Transport Ministry said rail infrastructure near Bologna and along routes linking key northern cities had been deliberately damaged in what it called “serious sabotage,” according to the Italian news agency ANSA. The incidents caused delays of up to two and a half hours and affected thousands of travelers heading to Olympic events on Saturday. 

Police reported three separate incidents they believe may be connected to the Games. A fire damaged rail infrastructure between Bologna and Venice, and investigators later found severed cables and a makeshift explosive device near railway tracks. In a separate incident, a structure housing a track switch was set on fire near the coastal city of Pesaro.

Italy’s state railway operator, Ferrovie dello Stato, reported “serious damage to railway infrastructure attributable to acts of sabotage,” confirming fires and cable damage that disrupted service across parts of the network. Bologna station is one of Italy’s busiest transport hubs, connecting north-south and east-west rail corridors and serving routes to Milan, which is co-hosting the Games with Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The incidents unfolded as protests against the Olympics and broader economic problems drew thousands of demonstrators to Milan. Police arrested six people after clashes broke out.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned both the protests and the suspected sabotage attacks, blaming what she described as “the enemies of Italy and Italians” for attempting to undermine the event.

Italian officials noted similarities to security incidents during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, when coordinated acts of sabotage targeted France’s high-speed rail network and telecommunications infrastructure, disrupting travel and communications.

The latest incidents come days after Italian authorities said they had blocked a wave of cyberattacks they described as being of Russian origin, targeting diplomatic missions abroad and infrastructure linked to the Winter Olympics. About 120 targets were affected, including consulates in Sydney, Toronto and Paris, as well as hotels housing athletes, though officials said the attacks caused limited disruption.

Italian investigators have not yet publicly linked the rail sabotage to any foreign actors.