UA cruel fate took the life of Vincenzo Carannante, 54, who was run over and killed on Thursday evening while returning home by bicycle in San Felice a Cancello, in the province of Caserta.
The man, a temporary worker, was cycling along Via Napoli, between the hamlets of Cancello Scalo and Botteghino, when a Volkswagen Golf hit him near a supermarket, before the astonished eyes of dozens of passersby.
The violent impact left no one alive: Vincenzo died instantly, catapulted several meters away. The tragedy, which occurred around 22 p.m. near Ponti Rossi, shocked the community. During this summer, the area is crowded until late with those seeking refreshment, but nothing could prevent the tragedy.
The 118 paramedics, who quickly arrived from the Psaut on Via Roma, could only confirm his death. Vincenzo's body was transferred to the Forensic Medicine department of the Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano hospital in Caserta.
The driver of the car, an entrepreneur identified as SM, visibly in shock, was questioned by the Carabinieri of the Cancello station, coordinated by Captain Federico Arrigo of the Maddaloni Company.
A case of manslaughter was opened against him, and he was charged at large. Vincenzo was a well-known and beloved figure in the area.
His death, however, is not just a personal loss: it reopens a deep wound, that of the poor safety of cyclists and moped riders in Campania. The region, and the Caserta area in particular, suffers from a chronic lack of bike paths, leaving those who choose to cycle exposed to daily risks.
Busy roads like Via Napoli, lacking dedicated lanes or guardrails, become traps for cyclists, especially at night, when visibility is reduced. This isn't the first time a cyclist has lost their life in similar circumstances in Campania, where sustainable mobility infrastructure is woefully inadequate.
The problem of the lack of cycle paths in Campania
The tragedy of Vincenzo Carannante reiterates the urgency of concrete interventions: cycle paths, adequate lighting, and increased awareness among drivers. Without effective measures, the region's alleys and streets will continue to be the scene of avoidable deaths, as families and communities mourn their losses.
Article published by Gustavo Gentile on July 12, 2025, at 08:13 PM
An expert in diplomatic and international law, he has worked in the publishing and communications industries for over 30 years. He has served as a representative of local publishers in FIEG, as Director of Canale 10, and as General Manager of Centro Stampa srl. He has a keen understanding of the Caserta area.
Comments (1)
What happened to Vincenzo is truly sad, but the truth is that the roads are dangerous and there are no bike lanes. Every day, cyclists have to be careful, but it's not right to live like this. We need more safety.