FS Reports ‘Umpteenth Odd’ Rail Incident to Authorities

Rome: The Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) rail group on Wednesday announced it had reported to the authorities what it described as the “umpteenth anomalous incident” in Italy’s railway network and a “list of highly suspicious circumstances” following a string of disruptions to train travel over the past few months caused by malfunctions, accidents, construction work, and strikes.

According to Ansa News Agency, the FS Group stated, “In light of the umpteenth anomalous accident on the network and a list of highly suspicious circumstances, has prepared a very detailed report it has delivered to the appropriate authorities denouncing the circumstances.” The FS Group highlighted the peculiarities surrounding the incidents, pointing out that the timing and frequency of the disruptions, especially during peak hours, raise significant concerns.

In the latest major incident, damage to the Milan railway network’s overhead electrical line early on Saturday morning, allegedly caused by a high-speed train departing from the northern city’s central station, resulted in extensive delays and cancellations affecting the entire country. This incident follows a pattern of disruptions that have plagued the rail network recently.

Meanwhile, Riccardo Molinari and Massimiliano Romeo, the Lower House and Senate whips of the League party led by Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, expressed approval of FS’s decision to report the incidents. They noted the suspicious timing of the malfunctions following a failed strike, emphasizing the need to verify the accidental nature of these occurrences.

The FS’s suspicions of potential sabotage are set to be investigated by Rome prosecutors, as reported by sources, with the involvement of DIGOS special branch security police. This development has sparked a political debate, with Green-Left Alliance (AVS) leader Angelo Bonelli suggesting that the timing of the League’s statement and FS’s complaint is suspicious, and announcing plans to present a complaint to parliament regarding Salvini’s handling of the rail disruptions.

The controversy has intensified calls from the centre-left opposition for Salvini’s resignation. Centrist Azione (Action) leader and former industry minister Carlo Calenda criticized the situation, noting the irony of the railway filing a complaint against itself for the disruptions.