A security guard has died in sub-zero temperatures at a construction site linked to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, prompting calls for an urgent investigation.
Fatal Incident in Extreme Cold
Authorities confirmed that a 55-year-old worker died during an overnight shift near the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, a key venue for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The tragic event occurred on Thursday, with local reports stating temperatures had plunged to a bitter -12C (10.4F).
The worker was on duty at a site close to Cortina's ice arena. Italy's Infrastructure Minister, Matteo Salvini, has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Olympic Organisers Respond
In a statement, Simico, the state-owned company managing official Olympic infrastructure, expressed its condolences but clarified that the site was not under its direct supervision. Officials from the city of Cortina said they were "deeply saddened and troubled by the death".
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled to run from 6 to 22 February 2026. Cortina is set to host events including curling, sliding, and women's Alpine skiing.
Preparations for a Spread-Out Games
Organisers are preparing for what is billed as the most geographically dispersed Winter Olympics in history. The bulk of the opening ceremony will be held at Milan's iconic San Siro football stadium, where performers will include tenor Andrea Bocelli and pop icon Mariah Carey.
To include athletes from all venues, segments of the ceremony will also be broadcast from three other locations:
- Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites
- Livigno in the Italian Alps
- Predazzo in Trento
The ceremony will also feature a tribute to the late Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away in September aged 91.
