Tragedy Strikes Scampia Estate as Walkway Collapses, Leaving Two Dead and Thirteen Injured

A tragic incident occurred at the Scampia estate in Naples, where a walkway collapsed, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 13 others, including seven children. The victims, identified as 29-year-old Roberto, a butcher and father, and his 35-year-old aunt Margherita, were part of a community already grappling with the challenges of living in a notorious area known for its association with mafia drug wars. Witnesses described the moment of the collapse as a loud roar, likening it to an earthquake. Residents have pointed fingers at ongoing construction work in the area, claiming that the vibrations from jackhammers and falling debris have created unsafe conditions. One local expressed concern over the daily disturbances, suggesting that the construction may have contributed to the tragedy. In response to the incident, prosecutors in Naples have initiated a manslaughter investigation to determine accountability. The Scampia estate, constructed in the 1960s, was originally designed to accommodate Naples' growing population but has since devolved into a symbol of urban decay. The complex, known for its triangular buildings called "Vele," was intended to foster community with green spaces and schools, which never materialized. Overcrowding worsened after many families displaced by a 1980 earthquake moved into the estate illegally, exacerbating unsafe living conditions. As the city plans to repurpose the remaining structures, including the building where the accident occurred, the community continues to face the repercussions of neglect and the ongoing struggle against organized crime.