A birthday party turned into a tragedy in Alessano, Salento. Pierpaolo Morciano, 26, died after probably inhaling nitrous oxide, known as "laughing gas" o "laughter drug", from a balloon. The young man was in the street with some friends to celebrate his birthday, when he suddenly collapsed in via della Giudecca.
Despite the timely arrival of the 118 emergency services, every attempt at resuscitation proved useless. police of Alessano have opened an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the death and ascertain any responsibilities. Pierpaolo's friends and acquaintances will be heard in the next few hours.
The 26-year-old's body was transferred to the Vito Fazzi hospital in Lecce, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
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Nitrous oxide is a substance used medically as an analgesic and anesthetic, but for some years it has been used recreationally, especially among young people. Its nickname, "the laughing drug," comes from its psychoactive effects: euphoria, relaxation, and detachment from reality. However, the gas can be extremely dangerous.
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction (EMCDDA) had already raised the alarm in 2022 about the increase in non-therapeutic use of nitrous oxide. Experts had highlighted the health risks, which include vitamin B12 deficiencies, serious neurological disorders and, in some cases, sudden death.
The community of Alessano is shocked by what happened. The investigation will try to shed light on a tragedy that turns the spotlight back on the dangers of new forms of consumption of psychoactive substances among young people. Pierpaolo's body will be returned to his family at the end of the investigations, to celebrate the funeral.
Comments (2)
A terrible tragedy, we hope that what happened will be clarified and that other similar situations will be avoided.
How sad this news, I hope that the incident is clarified and that we can avoid similar tragedies from happening in the future.