A security guard has died while working a night shift in extreme cold at a construction site linked to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.
Minister Demands Investigation into Tragic Death
Italian authorities confirmed the fatality on Saturday, prompting Italy’s Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, to demand a full investigation. The 55-year-old worker was on duty near Cortina d'Ampezzo's ice arena on Thursday night when temperatures plunged to a bitter minus 12 degrees Celsius (10.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Italian media reports detail the tragic circumstances of the man's death during his overnight shift. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled to run from 6 to 22 February 2026, putting a sharp focus on worker safety in the final stages of preparation.
Official Responses and Site Ownership
In an official statement, the company Simico, which is the governmental body responsible for Olympic infrastructure, expressed its condolences but clarified that the construction site was not one under its direct oversight.
Local officials from Cortina d'Ampezzo, the famed alpine resort that will host events including curling, sliding, and women's Alpine skiing, said they were "deeply saddened and troubled by the death."
Safety Under Scrutiny Ahead of Games
This incident casts a shadow over the build-up to the global sporting event, raising urgent questions about the welfare of personnel working in harsh, wintry conditions. The demand for a probe by Minister Salvini indicates the seriousness with which the Italian government is treating the case.
As construction and preparations continue at pace for the 2026 Winter Olympics, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the human cost often involved in delivering major international spectacles. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by labour groups and the international community alike.
