Two people have died and 13 others were injured after a partial collapse of a raised passageway in a dilapidated housing estate on the outskirts of Naples, southern Italy.
The incident occurred late Monday night in Scampia on a third-floor walkway at Vela Celeste, the last and most populous of four sail-shaped blocks scheduled for demolition as part of a redevelopment scheme in the deprived area.
Witnesses reported hearing a “tremendous bang” as part of the structure collapsed onto the floors below, according to the Italian press.
The victims were identified as Roberto Abbruzzo, 29, and Margherita della Ragione, 35. The injured, including seven children, were taken to Santobono hospital in Naples, where two were reported to be in serious condition.
Firefighters worked through the night to evacuate approximately 800 residents who had been waiting to be rehoused as part of the ReStart Scampia project.
Prosecutors in Naples have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
“We are deeply saddened by last night’s tragedy,” Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi said. “Our social services are providing assistance to residents, and technicians are completing safety checks.
“Now is the time to think about the victims – but I want to reiterate that our redevelopment project will not stop, and our commitment to Scampia will be even stronger than before.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
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