Torre del Greco - A manhunt is underway in Torre del Greco, perhaps for minors. They are the drivers and passengers of the SUV that struck and killed a police officer and several others last night while patrolling the coastal road.
The person who lost his life was Aniello Scarpati, 47, assistant chief coordinator on duty at the city police station.
According to an initial reconstruction, the police car, engaged in routine patrols, was struck head-on by an oncoming SUV. The extremely forceful impact threw Scarpati from the vehicle more than ten meters. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done for him: he died instantly.
The driver, a 35-year-old officer, was seriously injured. He was rushed to the Ospedale del Mare in Naples, where he underwent surgery for internal injuries.
His condition is critical, and the prognosis remains guarded. Firefighters, ambulances, and traffic police responded to the accident scene. Initial investigations, coordinated by the Torre Annunziata Prosecutor's Office, have led to the identification of the SUV's four occupants, including several minors.
There were reportedly six people aboard the SUV: four, including two minors, were hospitalized, while the driver of the BMW X4 fled the scene. Police are currently investigating a case of failure to render assistance.
After the crash, the young men fled, abandoning the vehicle and failing to provide assistance. The driver remains unaccounted for.
Investigators are trying to determine the exact circumstances of the crash. The loss of Scarpati is profound: he leaves behind a wife and three children. Colleagues and friends remember him as an experienced, respected officer, dedicated to his work. Naples Police Chief Maurizio Agricola was also at the scene of the accident.
Minister Piantedosi's grief
"The death of a State Police officer and the serious injury of another while on duty in Torre del Greco saddens me deeply. On behalf of myself and the Government, I express my condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased officer and to the entire State Police.
I am following with concern the condition of the second seriously injured police officer. This dramatic episode once again reminds us of the value and risk that law enforcement officers face every day to ensure safety and legality. The State will continue to support them with commitment and work to improve the conditions in which they operate,” declared Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
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This episode is extremely tragic and makes us reflect on the dangerous work of law enforcement. It is unacceptable that minors could be involved in such an incident. Safety must be a priority for all of us.