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Swede stops train in row over disabled access

The Local Italy
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Swede stops train in row over disabled access
File photo: y.accesslab/flickr

A disabled tourist from Sweden has been charged after holding up a train in northern Italy for 40 minutes in protest over the lack of facilities allowing disabled people to board trains with ease.

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The train came to a halt seconds after leaving the platform of the station in the small town of Calalzo, in the province of Belluno, after the 40-year-old pulled the stop lever in protest over being denied access to the train, La Stampa reported.

He arrived at the platform to find there was no ramp, which allows people in a wheelchair to board trains, available. The facility is required by law in Italy, the news website, direttanews.it, reported.

The man reportedly had a “heated discussion”, in English, with the train’s conductor about being unable to board the train. The conductor is reported to have said there was “no way” for him to get on with his wheelchair and then gave the signal for the train to leave.

Shortly after the doors closed, the Swede made his way to the first carriage and pulled a lever stopping the train. He held on to the lever for 40 minutes before the railway police arrived and charged him for interrupting a public service. 

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