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PhrasesCar AccidentL'incidente è avvenuto a un passaggio a livello.
B1formal

L'incidente è avvenuto a un passaggio a livello.

The accident happened at a level crossing.

Pronunciation

'Passaggio a livello' = pas-SAD-joh ah lee-VEL-loh. Both words stress the second syllable.

When to use it

Use when reporting an accident involving a level crossing. These incidents involve railway authorities in addition to standard police and ambulance services.

What it means

Level crossing (passaggio a livello) accidents must be reported to both 112 and the national railway infrastructure manager (RFI — Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) to prevent approaching trains. Call 1500 (Ferrovie dello Stato helpline) or ask 112 to relay the information.

Variations

Le sbarre erano alzate e ho attraversato.

The barriers were up and I crossed.

States the signal status — critical for determining responsibility.

C'è un veicolo bloccato sui binari.

There is a vehicle stuck on the tracks.

Maximum emergency — trains must be stopped immediately.

Devo avvisare le ferrovie dell'incidente.

I need to alert the railway of the accident.

Railway notification is urgent — do this before moving the vehicle.

Mini Dialogue

— L'incidente è avvenuto a un passaggio a livello. — C'è qualcuno sui binari? — No, tutti sono usciti. Ma l'auto è ancora ferma sul binario. — Chiami il 112 E il numero Ferrovie dello Stato! Subito!

— The accident happened at a level crossing. — Is anyone on the tracks? — No, everyone got out. But the car is still stopped on the track. — Call 112 AND the Ferrovie dello Stato number! Right now!

Cultural Note

In Italy, RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) manages the rail network. The emergency number to alert about obstacles on tracks is 1500 (Ferrovie dello Stato) or ask 112 to forward the alert. Trains cannot stop quickly — alert must be immediate.