Hell on the Turin-Milan Line: Over 200 Passengers Stranded for 6 Hours in Vercelli
Vercelli, April 10 – A journey that should have been routine turned into a nightmare for over 200 passengers traveling on the Turin-Milan train line on Thursday, April 9th. An electrical fault caused significant delays, leaving travelers stranded for six hours at Vercelli station without adequate assistance or information.
The train, which departed from Turin Porta Susa at 6:00 PM on Thursday, initially stopped in Santhià before reaching Vercelli. Passengers were disembarked and transferred to a smaller train, but the situation did not improve. Hours passed with no clear communication from the railway authorities, leading to growing frustration among those affected.
A Journey of Anger and Exhaustion
Passengers described the situation as “absolute madness.” Many reported a complete absence of assistance, with no staff providing water, food, or even basic information about the delays. “There’s no one here… no help,” exasperated travelers recounted. Some even attempted to contact the police, only to be told that nothing could be done.
The prolonged delay caused numerous problems for passengers, including missed connections and important appointments. “After six hours, we are still here. Six hours for a few kilometers. It’s a disgrace,” one passenger lamented. The unanimous sentiment was that they were being treated “like cattle.”
Vulnerable Passengers Affected
The ordeal was particularly difficult for vulnerable passengers. Elderly individuals were reportedly exhausted and at their limit, while children were left hungry. Many were forced to stand for extended periods due to overcrowding on the replacement train. The lack of basic provisions like water further exacerbated the challenging conditions.
The uncertainty surrounding their onward journey added to the distress. Passengers were left wondering if they would eventually reach Novara and how, without any clear indication of replacement buses or taxis.
Electrical Fault Blamed for Chaos
Trenitalia attributed the severe delays to an electrical fault on the line, which required the intervention of RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) technicians. Initially, the fault was described as easily resolvable, expected to cause only “some delay.” However, the extensive duration of the disruption suggests a more complex issue. RFI technicians are reportedly still working on restoring the line.
This incident is not isolated. Recent reports highlight similar issues on other Italian rail lines. The Milan-Venice high-speed line experienced delays of up to 90 minutes due to an electrical fault between Altavilla and Vicenza, leading to diverted trains and canceled services. Additionally, a truck severing an electrical line in Volpiano caused the Sfm1 line to be blocked between Rivarolo Canavese and Settimo, necessitating replacement buses.
Growing Calls for Accountability
The incident has sparked renewed calls for better contingency planning and passenger assistance during railway disruptions. The lack of communication and basic provisions has drawn sharp criticism from those affected, emphasizing the need for improved protocols from Trenitalia and RFI.
As of Friday, April 10th, at 0:20 AM, hundreds of people remained blocked between Santhià and Vercelli, uncertain of when their journey would resume. The incident underscores the significant impact that technical failures can have on public transport and the importance of effective crisis management.
