In the Scampia suburb of Naples, Italy, a balcony collapse late Monday night, July 22, 2024, resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to at least 12 others, including seven children. The collapse occurred at the Vela Celeste residential building complex, a social housing estate known for its distinctive “sails” shape and poverty conditions.
According to law enforcement officials, the tragedy occurred when a fourth-floor balcony gave way, causing two lower balconies to collapse as well. The concrete and iron structure claimed the lives of 29-year-old Roberto Abbruzzo, who was killed instantly; 35-year-old Margherita Della Ragione, who died upon arrival at the hospital; and Patrizia Della Ragione, 53, Roberto’s mother and Margherita’s sister, who passed away from her injuries at the hospital on Wednesday, July 24. Several of the injured remain in critical condition, including two children being treated at Santobono Hospital in Naples.
Terrified neighbors described the horrifying moment when the balcony collapsed, comparing it to the sound of an earthquake with a loud noise, according to the Italian media.
Emergency services responded quickly, evacuating approximately 800 residents from the building. Firefighters and rescue teams worked through the night, digging through rubble to save those trapped beneath.
Preliminary reports suggest that the balcony may have been unable to support the weight of several residents gathered due to the night’s high temperatures. Structural engineers are expected to conduct a thorough analysis to determine the exact cause of the failure.
The neighborhood, Le Vele di Scampia, has a history of structural issues and social challenges. Built in the 1960s and 1970s, many of the buildings in the area are in various states of decay. The complex has been the focus of a significant urban renewal plan initiated in April, aimed at transforming the area and shaking off its notorious reputation. The $19.8 million project includes improvements to common areas, garage floors, arcades, and roofs.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed her sympathy following the incident, sharing her condolences with the families of the victims and extending her thoughts to the injured and their loved ones on the social media platform “X.” Similarly, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, called the incident a “tragedy.”
Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, visibly moved by the incident, pledged full support to the affected families and vowed to ensure a thorough investigation.
The collapse has also drawn attention to the broader issues of building safety and maintenance in older residential areas. Experts have pointed out that many of these structures, built during rapid urban expansion, now face significant wear and tear.
Residents of the Scampia district have long called for better living conditions and more robust maintenance protocols. The area’s association with organized crime, particularly the Camorra mafia, has often overshadowed its residents’ pleas for help. While a step in the right direction, the recent urban renewal project highlights the deep-rooted issues that still need to be addressed.
This incident comes just months after a similar tragedy in Majorca, Spain, where a building collapsed at a beach bar, killing four people and injuring dozens. The owner of the beach club was later arrested for manslaughter due to illegal structural modifications.