Naples – A tragedy was narrowly avoided this afternoon on the western outskirts of Naples. A violent explosion at a fireworks factory in Pianura caused only material damage and widespread fear among local residents. Fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties.
Reliable sources deny that the explosion at a fireworks factory on the outskirts of Naples caused one death and two injuries, as reported by a worker on the scene. "At this time, there are no injuries among the employees or firefighters," the source said.
This was apparently misinformation spread during the heat of the operation: the explosion caused a fire that spread to a house near the factory and the surrounding vegetation. Several firefighting teams were on site.
The injured, but only slightly, were two Carabinieri from the Naples mobile radio unit who were injured during the rescue operations.
The explosion's roar was heard across a wide area of the neighborhood, sparking fear and bringing dozens of people into the streets. A tall column of smoke rose from the site of the explosion.
As emergency vehicles were already on the scene to extinguish the fire, a second explosion occurred, inflicting a shockwave on two firefighters. An ambulance was called to take them to the scene, but the two are reportedly in good condition.
The alarm was raised shortly after 10:118 a.m., when a loud explosion was heard throughout the area, followed by a plume of smoke rising from the plant. Several firefighters , Carabinieri, and ambulances immediately arrived on the scene.
Investigations underway
The cause of the accident is still unclear. The possibility of an accidental ignition during the processing of the pyrotechnic material has not been ruled out. The area has been placed under lockdown, while the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation to determine any possible culprits.
The cleanup operations are delicate: the risk of further explosions has not yet been eliminated, given the presence of other explosive material in the adjacent warehouses.
The precedent of Herculaneum
The tragedy brings to mind the numerous accidents that have plagued the fireworks industry in Campania over the years, one of the most prosperous but also among the most dangerous in Italy. This is particularly true of the most recent one in Ercolano , where three very young workers working illegally were killed last November. This is a sector that has long raised questions about workplace safety and compliance with prevention regulations.
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