Sabotage Disrupts High-Speed Rail in Italy, Causing Major Delays
Rome, February 14, 2026 – High-speed train services across Italy, particularly on the Rome-Naples and Rome-Florence lines, experienced severe disruptions and delays of up to 120 minutes following what authorities are calling “new acts of sabotage.” The incidents, involving burnt cables and damaged infrastructure, led to widespread frustration among commuters and travelers.
Two Acts of Sabotage Confirmed
Two distinct acts of sabotage were reported on the national railway network. The first incident occurred on the Rome-Naples high-speed line, between Salone and Labico, where damaged cable conduits were discovered around 5:40 AM. Technicians found burnt cables essential for railway circulation. After investigations by authorities, RFI technicians restored the infrastructure by 1:35 PM.
A second incident was reported on the Rome-Florence high-speed line, between Tiburtina and Settebagni, around 4:30 AM, also involving burnt cables. Authorities concluded their investigations at 2:30 PM, allowing RFI technicians to begin full infrastructure restoration. Circulation on the Rome-Florence line resumed at 7:20 PM. All lines affected by the sabotage have since been reactivated.
Widespread Disruption and Passenger Frustration
The sabotage led to significant delays and cancellations across the network, including at major hubs like Milan Central Station. Passengers faced delays of up to 150 minutes for arriving trains and similar waiting times for departures. Several trains were canceled, further exacerbating the situation.
Nicolò, a student traveling to Lausanne for an Erasmus program, described his ordeal: “There are inconveniences, and let’s not talk about the economic damage, because I had to buy another ticket for Lausanne as the train I had booked had already left. Now I hope it arrives on time.” Another passenger, Adolfo, waiting for a train to Naples, expressed his frustration: “I was supposed to leave at 12:20 PM, but there are huge delays, and now I hope to be able to leave at 6:20 PM, hoping they don’t cancel the train. Sabotage or no sabotage, only people are damaged this way.” Luca, whose train from Bologna to Milan was delayed by 65 minutes, commented, “Unfortunately, there’s little you can do against idiots.”
Investigation Underway, Salvini Condemns Acts
An official report on the damage to the high-speed railway lines will be sent to the Rome public prosecutor’s office in the coming hours. Polfer agents and DIGOS investigators from the Rome police headquarters intervened on site. Investigators consider the malicious nature of these acts evident, drawing clear parallels to sabotage incidents that occurred last week on the Bologna railway line.
Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, condemned the acts, stating, “Hateful criminal acts against workers and against Italy. Vigilance has been increased, and we have stepped up controls to track down these criminals, hoping that no one minimizes or justifies criminal acts that endanger people’s lives.”
The incidents highlight a concerning trend of deliberate interference with critical national infrastructure, prompting calls for heightened security measures and swift judicial action against those responsible.
