Rome, 10 September 2025 – A train crash was averted on Wednesday when firefighters halted a locomotive just metres from a sinkhole on the Milan–Lecco line.
The hole, opened by violent storms, collapsed a section of track near Bulciago station in Lecco province. Rail traffic on the line was suspended.
The latest wave of extreme weather has caused widespread disruption across Italy. Floods, landslides and falling trees have damaged infrastructure and stretched emergency services. Firefighters reported receiving an exceptionally high number of calls.
On Elba island, around 200 residents and tourists were cut off when a landslide blocked the road near Forno beach.
Scientists say the climate crisis is intensifying storms and floods, making them more frequent and destructive. Human greenhouse gas emissions, especially from burning fossil fuels, remain the main driver of global heating. Oil, gas and coal sales continue to generate record profits for energy companies.
