Naples. The notices of investigation are arriving for the manager and the owner of the holiday home in Piazza Municipio in Naples where last night the 27-year-old Emanuela Chirilli from Lecce died, asphyxiated due to a fire that broke out in the room where she was staying on the seventh floor.
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The Naples Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation with the hypothesis of the crime of manslaughter, investigations entrusted to the agents of the Decumani police station and coordinated by the Professional Negligence and Accidents at Work section entrusted to the deputies Federica D'Amodio and Diego Capece Minutolo. The notices of investigation that are about to be signed are a necessary act in view of the autopsy.
A young life cut short by a tragedy that raises questions about the safety of tourist facilities. Emanuela Chirilli, 27, originally from Lecce, died of asphyxiation in her room in a holiday home in Naples, located on the seventh floor of a building overlooking the central Piazza Municipio.
The fire, which destroyed the room where the girl was staying for a night, was apparently started by a short circuit in the private sauna or, perhaps, by a malfunctioning power strip. Investigations are underway to clarify the causes of the fire, but doubts have emerged about compliance with safety regulations.
The negative reviews and “the electric shock in the shower”
The investigation documents include some negative reviews of the facility which mentions the sauna and a second one in which a user (who signed with his name and surname) reports a loss of electricity in the bathroom: "A serious problem in the bathroom, namely an electric shock when touching the shower tap."
Emanuela was found in her bed, probably surprised by the smoke while she was sleeping. She did not have time to seek refuge. Her lifeless body was found by rescuers, among the rubble of the now devastated room.
The young woman was alone in the room, and her mother, still shocked, said she was unaware of her trip to Naples. The circumstances of her trip remain shrouded in mystery: Emanuela had arrived the day before and was supposed to leave on the same day of the fire. Investigators are trying to figure out whether she was in the city for tourism or to meet someone.
A difficult past and an independent life
Behind the story of Emanuela there is a past marked by difficulties. Raised in a family home until the age of 18 and followed by social services together with her mother, she had been able to build an independent life. She worked with children and shared images of happy moments on social media, surrounded by friends. Now, those same pages are full of messages of condolence and requests for justice.
Investigators are analyzing every detail to shed light on the tragedy. The State Police, under the coordination of the Naples Prosecutor's Office, has launched an investigation, currently against unknown persons. The autopsy, ordered by the judiciary, will ascertain the exact causes of death, while the investigations at the site of the fire have been entrusted to the scientific police and the fire brigade. The testimonies of the person in charge of the holiday home, the images from the surveillance cameras and the analysis of the victim's mobile phone will be crucial.
The issue of safety in accommodation facilities
The incident has brought the issue of safety in B&Bs and holiday homes back into the spotlight, especially in tourist cities like Naples. The Councillor for Tourism, Teresa Armato, expressed her condolences, stressing that the facility was regularly authorised. However, checks conducted in August had already highlighted numerous irregularities in the hospitality sector, and this tragedy reiterates the urgency of more stringent checks.
Questions still unanswered
Emanuela's death leaves a trail of questions. Was safety really guaranteed in the vacation home? Was compliance with fire regulations ensured? And what brought the young woman to Naples on a trip that not even her family knew about? The city, meanwhile, is rallying around the memory of a girl who, despite the difficulties, had been able to face life with courage.
Article published on November 30, 2024 - 07:22
The tragedy of Emanuela Chirilli is a very serious and worrying situation. Safety in holiday homes must be improved to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Investigations are essential.
It is sad to know that a young life was cut short in this way. I hope that the authorities will clarify what happened and that measures will be taken to improve safety in tourist facilities.