Ercolano, Ciro Panico cries: that double job and the sacrifices for the family

Yet another workplace tragedy has rocked Ercolano. Ciro Panico, 54, died after falling from the fourth floor of a building at Via Niglio 19, where he was carrying out masonry work on a balcony.
According to an initial reconstruction, still being examined by investigators, the man lost his balance during the operation, falling into the void and ending up in front of the entrance hall of the building.

The alarm was raised immediately and he was transferred to the Ospedale del Mare in Naples, but the serious injuries he sustained in the fall left him helpless. Doctors attempted to save him in vain: Ciro Panico died from the trauma he sustained.

A life of sacrifices to support the family

Panico was known as a hard-working man. To support his wife and four children, he took on multiple jobs: he worked in a bingo hall and, when the opportunity arose, he also took on construction jobs to make ends meet, like the one that cost him his life.

A life of sacrifice and diverse commitments, shattered in a few moments while he was trying to carry on that second job, "probably undeclared," that would have provided greater financial support for his family.

The news of his death has left the community of Ercolano shocked, where in these hours grief and disbelief prevail.

Carabinieri investigation: house and construction documents seized

The Carabinieri are currently investigating the tragic accident, tasked with reconstructing the exact circumstances of the fall and, above all, verifying compliance with safety regulations.
The body has been seized and will undergo an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The home where Panico was carrying out the work was also seized, along with the documentation relating to the construction site and the renovation work.

Investigators will also have to ascertain the man's employment status and verify whether all the preventive measures required by law were adopted.

Brother-in-law's grief: "He was like a brother"

Grief and anger prevail among the family. The victim's brother-in-law, interviewed by TGR Campania, remembered Ciro Panico with his voice breaking with emotion: "He was like a brother to me."
Then the appeal, addressed to institutions and the world of work: "In 2026, you can't die at work, you can't die just to earn your living. We must intervene and protect workers."

Words that bring the issue of workplace safety back to the forefront, a topic still dramatically relevant today.

Mayor Garzia expresses her condolences: "Reflection on safety can no longer be postponed."

Ercolano Mayor Antonietta Garzia also expressed her grief: "The tragedy that struck our community today leaves us shocked. I extend my personal condolences and those of the entire administration to the victim's family."

The mayor urged everyone to await the outcome of the investigation: "The competent authorities will determine the circumstances, responsibilities, and every other aspect of this affair. It is right to await the outcome of the investigation and to have the utmost respect for the work of the judiciary and law enforcement."

But, he added, a central question remains: “Every time a worker loses his life, we are called to question the value we place on work, on the safety and dignity of people.”

The CGIL (Italian General Confederation of Labour): "Another victim, a shift in controls is needed."

The CGIL (Italian General Confederation of Labour) Naples and Campania also commented on the tragedy. General Secretary Nicola Ricci described it as a new loss in the world of work:

"Another day of mourning. Another victim on a construction site in Ercolano, a worker who fell from the fourth floor."
The union calls for clarity on safety conditions:

"We join the family in our condolences and grief, but we demand truth and transparency regarding the measures adopted on that construction site and to determine whether anchoring hooks were provided for this worker."
Ricci also recalls other accidents that occurred in Campania and denounces a situation that he defines as a long trail of deaths:

"We must stop this reckless escalation of workplace accidents. We need prevention, inspections, and a recruitment plan for safety bodies."