Jul 23, 2024, 12:00 AM
Jul 23, 2024, 12:00 AM

Tragic Walkway Collapse in Scampia Results in Two Fatalities

Tragic
Highlights
  • A walkway collapse in Scampia, a notorious neighborhood in Naples, Italy, has led to the tragic deaths of two individuals.
  • This area is known for its association with the Camorra, a powerful organized crime syndicate that has been the subject of significant media attention.
  • The incident has sparked further discussions on public safety and building conditions in impoverished areas.
Story

A tragic building collapse in the Le Vele housing complex in Scampia, a suburb of Naples, has resulted in the deaths of a 29-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman. The Italian Fire Brigade confirmed the fatalities, and survivors have been evacuated to tent camps established by the civil protection agency. The Le Vele complex, notorious for its association with the Camorra crime syndicate, has been a focal point of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, and has been under scrutiny for years due to its deteriorating conditions. The complex gained notoriety through Roberto Saviano's "Gomorrah," which depicted the influence of the Camorra in the area. Following a 2020 order from regional authorities to clear the site, three of the buildings were demolished, leaving only one standing. This remaining structure has been condemned for years, with essential services like water and electricity being illegally sourced. The cause of the recent collapse remains undetermined. Many residents of Le Vele are individuals who lost their homes in a devastating earthquake in 1980, which claimed nearly 2,500 lives and left a quarter of a million people homeless. They moved to the complex while awaiting government promises for new housing that have yet to materialize. A redevelopment project initiated by the local municipality is still in progress but has not been completed. In response to the tragedy, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi extended condolences and offered support to those affected. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her sorrow and gratitude to emergency services for their efforts during this crisis.

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