Yesterday evening, a devastating incident occurred in the Scampia district of Naples. A balcony collapse at the “Vela Celeste” led to the deaths of a man and a woman, with thirteen others injured, including two two-year-olds. All involved were members of the same family.
Roberto Abbruzzo, 29, died instantly, while Margherita Della Ragione, 35, succumbed to her injuries overnight. Preliminary investigations suggest the fourth-floor service balcony, where the family was gathered, detached and brought down the two balconies below it.
Emergency Response
First responders quickly arrived on the scene. The seven injured children, all in critical condition, were taken to Santobono Hospital. They include Anna (4), Annunziata (8), Patrizia (6), Greta (2), Mya (4), Morena (10), and Suami (2). Two of these children are currently in intensive care.
The injured adults are receiving treatment at Ospedale del Mare and Cardarelli Hospital. Among them are Luisa Abbruzzo, 23, and Giuseppe Abbruzzo, 33, who is in critical condition. Carmela Russo, 34; Martina Russo, 24; and Patrizia Della Ragione, 53, are also hospitalised but not with life-threatening conditions.
Investigation and Safety Measures
This morning, starting at 07:30, firefighters and municipal technicians began technical inspections of the balconies at Vela Celeste. Based on initial findings, decisions will be made about which residents can return to their apartments. Meanwhile, authorities evacuated the affected area. Access to balconies in unaffected sections has been prohibited until safety inspections are complete.
Official Statements
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences on social media.
“I am deeply saddened by the balcony collapse in Vela Celeste, Scampia, Naples, which claimed two lives and injured 13 others, including several children. My thoughts are with the victims’ families and the injured and their loved ones during this painful time. I extend my gratitude to the firefighters and all those involved in the rescue operations.”
Background of Vela Celeste
Vela Celeste is one of the last remaining Vele structures in Scampia after the demolition of four others. Renovations are underway, aiming to provide better living conditions for residents and removing the stigma of the “Gomorra” neighbourhood.
In April, the Manfredi administration announced a comprehensive urban regeneration plan for the Vele of Scampia. The Vela Celeste is slated for renovation funded by the Peripheries Plan with approximately €18million. The project includes refurbishing common areas, garages, porticos, vertical connections, and horizontal surfaces.
This initiative marks a significant step in the complex regeneration of the Vele. The wish to preserve Vela Celeste as a symbol of the neighbourhood’s past and ongoing efforts for community recovery.
Historical Context
The Vele, built between 1962 and 1975, were initially intended to include community centres, playgrounds, and other communal facilities. However, these were never realised, contributing to the project’s ultimate failure.
Over the years, the Vele became synonymous with degradation, crime, and drug trafficking. The decision to radically transform the neighbourhood involved demolishing most of the Vele, renovating a few, and converting one into facilities for medical degree courses.
