Two dead and 13 injured when a sidewalk collapses in Naples

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In the southern Italian city of Naples, the pedestrian walkway of a housing project collapsed. Two people were killed and dozens were injured.

In the collapse, which occurred shortly after 10.30 p.m. on Monday, a 29-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were killed and several children were injured.

After the collapse, 800 residents were evacuated from the remaining block.

Local governor Nicola Nardella described it as “a very tough night.”

The victims are Roberto Abbruzzo, 29, who died on impact, and Margherita Della Ragione, 35, who died on arrival at the hospital. The two were related.

Seven injured children aged between two and eight are currently being treated at the Santobono Hospital in Naples, two of them in serious condition.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her regret after the incident and posted on X: “My condolences go out to the families of the victims and my thoughts are with the injured and their relatives.”

Roberta Metsola, recently re-elected President of the European Parliament, described the accident as a “tragedy”.

The city’s mayor, Gaetano Manfredi, called for an investigation into the incident.

The residential area, known as Le Vele di Scampia, is notorious for its poverty and as a scene of mafia wars.

In 2008, the place served as a fictional setting for the successful series “Gomorrah”, which is based on a book about the Camorra mafia by author Roberto Saviano.

Last April, authorities announced an 18 million euro redevelopment project for the district to get rid of its reputation as a crime-ridden residential area.

The project includes improvements to the common areas, garage floors and arcades, as well as roof renovations.