Pain and hope are once again intertwined in Scampia, the most famous peripheral neighborhood of Naples, once again the scene of a tragedy.
Yesterday evening, the collapse of a bridge-gallery on the third floor of the Vela Celeste, one of the 60s buildings sadly known as a symbol of degradation, caused the death of a 29-year-old man, Roberto Abbruzzo, and a 35-year-old woman, Margherita Della Ragione.
Thirteen injured, including seven minors, worsen the toll of the tragedy. Two girls, aged 7 and 4, are in a reserved prognosis due to serious head injuries. Among the injured adults, two women are in critical condition. About 800 people, including 300 minors, have been evacuated from the unsafe building.
A fight between two families over trivial reasons
The causes of the collapse are still to be ascertained. According to some witnesses, a quarrel over trivial reasons between families would be at the origin of the tragedy.
The accident occurred around 23pm when around 00 people crowded onto the dilapidated structure, causing it to collapse under their weight.
The Naples Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation against unknown persons for negligent collapse and manslaughter. Mayor Manfredi has assured maximum commitment to help the families affected by the tragedy and has reiterated the goal of completing the redevelopment project of the Vele by 2027.
The Vela Celeste tragedy reopens the wounds of a neighborhood already marked by years of degradation and crime. But hope does not die.
The inhabitants of Scampia forcefully demand a better future, free from the grip of the Camorra and in the name of social and housing redemption.
The institutions expressed condolences for the victims and closeness to the injured. Prime Minister Meloni, the president of the European Parliament Metsola, the opposition leaders Schlein and Conte, President De Luca and the mayor Manfredi himself assured support and concrete aid.
The Chamber of Deputies observed a minute of silence.
The collapse of the Vela Celeste is a dramatic reminder, a new chapter in Scampia's troubled history. But this tragedy must give rise to new hope, a concrete commitment to reclaim a neighborhood and restore its residents to the dignity and future they deserve.
Chronicles of Campania
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