Ercolano – A new chapter in the investigation into the tragedy that shook Ercolano last November: the Carabinieri of the local station executed this morning, on behalf of the Naples Prosecutor's Office, two precautionary custody orders issued by the GIP of the Court of Naples.
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The recipients of the measures - a man and a woman - are held responsible for a series of crimes related to the explosion in the clandestine fireworks factory where three young people lost their lives. Samuel Tafciu, 18 years old, and sisters twins Aurora and Sara Esposito, 26 years.
The massacre of via Patacca
The accident dates back to November 18, when an entire house at the number 94 Patacca Street, transformed into an illegal laboratory for the production of firecrackers and fireworks, blew up in an explosion that left no escape for three boys, overwhelmed by the flames and the collapse of the structure.
The investigations, coordinated by the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office, immediately highlighted the character abusive of the activity, conducted in inadequate spaces and without the minimum safety guarantees.
The two suspects – whose names have not yet been made public – are accused, to varying degrees, of multiple manslaughter, serious injuries (other people were injured in the explosion) and illegal production of explosivesAccording to investigators, they would have managed or contributed to the illegal activity, ignoring rules and controls despite being aware of the risks.
The investigators' findings
The technical reports confirmed that theesplosione was triggered by the handling of dangerous materials in an unsuitable environment, without protective devices or escape routes. The Carabinieri, supported by their colleagues from the Investigative Unit, have reconstructed a chain of responsibility that could now widen: it is not excluded that the proceedings will lead to new measures.
The tragedy in November had caused indignation and protests in the local community, where the presence of clandestine laboratories has been reported for years. The mayor of Ercolano, Ciro Buonajuto, had spoken of "plague to be eradicated“, asking for greater controls.
Today's action by Justice marks a first step towards the truth, but for the families of the victims - a twenty-year-old and two teenagers - there is no measure that can compensate for the loss.
The two suspects will be taken to prison pending the validation hearing. In the meantime, the Prosecutor's Office is evaluating whether to also charge the crime of culpable disaster, while the police continue their raids on the territory to dismantle other illegal warehouses.
Article published on 4 April 2025 - 08:09
It is truly a sad and worrying situation that happened in Ercolano. The authorities should do more to prevent similar tragedies and ensure the safety of citizens. I hope that justice will be done for the families of the victims.