Workers killed in Naples, first breakthrough in investigation: welding and tightening of pins under investigation

Naples – A broken pipe at a weld point and a series of pins that were perhaps inadequately tightened: these two technical elements are the first real breakthrough in the investigation into the tragedy that occurred on July 25th in Naples' Rione Alto district, where three workers lost their lives after falling from a collapsed scaffolding lift on the sixth floor of a building on Via San Giacomo dei Capri.

The non-repeatable technical checks ordered by the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office began this morning, in the presence of consultants for the parties involved and the defense lawyers of the suspects.

Under observation is a tube with a different cross-section than the others, broken at the point where a weld is visible. This anomaly could prove crucial in reconstructing the cause of the structural failure. The condition and proper tightening of the pins that were supposed to ensure the stability of the freight elevator are also being examined.

The investigation with technical checks

The investigation, coordinated by public prosecutors, is pursuing several leads: from the quality of the materials used to responsibilities in the control chain.

Also present at the investigation were the consultants and lawyers of the individuals currently under investigation: the businessman Pietroluongo (represented by Zollo), the businessman Napolitano (represented by Fusco), the condominium administrator (represented by Ferraro), and the construction manager (represented by Floccher and Anzelmo). The injured parties are represented by lawyers Amedeo Di Pietro and Luigi Cinque.

Meanwhile, the entire area surrounding the construction site has been cordoned off since the early hours of the morning. Access to vehicles and pedestrians has been prohibited to ensure the safety and integrity of the investigation. The area will be reopened only after the operations, which promise to be complex and delicate, are completed.

A theft that hurts twice

But another shocking incident adds to the tragedy. Carmen Martucci, partner of Vincenzo Del Grosso—one of the three deceased workers—was contacted by the Stella police station to file a complaint: over the weekend, the victim's home in the Sanità neighborhood was burglarized.

The thieves took away the work tools Vincenzo's and even some food items contained in a package collected from the church.

"This is a cowardly act," declared lawyer Gianluca Zanfardino, "that targets those who have already lost everything. It speaks to not only social but also moral degradation." This episode casts an even darker shadow over a matter that has already raised serious questions about safety on construction sites and working conditions.

Questions that cannot be avoided

The tragedy in Rione Alto is not an isolated case, last week in the space of 48 hours there were two other accidents at work between Naples and the province with another three injured workers, but the symptom of a deeper problem.

In a sector like construction, too often outsourced and driven by extreme cost-cutting, safety becomes optional. And in the absence of strict controls and enforced regulations, the ones who always pay the price are the last ones: the workers, their families, and the communities.

Naples, once again, finds itself mourning workplace victims. But a time of mourning cannot become a time of oblivion. The investigation must clarify all responsibilities, without shortcuts.

But we also need a strong signal from the institutions: more controls, more transparency, more training. Because dying on the job, in 2025, is something this country can no longer afford to consider an "accident."