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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy /Energy & Infrastructure

Father saves son, dies in construction site roof collapse in Italy

From ANSA · () Italian

Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A 66-year-old construction worker died in Mesagne, Italy, after a wooden roof structure collapsed at a worksite.
  • The man, Antonio D'Errico, sacrificed himself to save his 26-year-old son from the falling debris.
  • Authorities are investigating the incident, and local officials and unions are calling for increased workplace safety.

A tragic accident at a construction site in Mesagne, Italy, has claimed the life of 66-year-old Antonio D'Errico, who died saving his son. The incident occurred while D'Errico, owner of a sole proprietorship, was working with his 26-year-old son and three others to maintain a wooden roof.

As the structure began to creak, D'Errico immediately perceived the danger and rushed to push his son out of harm's way. Moments later, the roof collapsed. While his son sustained only minor injuries and is now out of danger, D'Errico was buried under the rubble, suffering fatal trauma. He was a respected craftsman, nearing retirement, known for his professionalism and competence in the community.

Emergency services arrived quickly, transporting the son to the hospital. The Brindisi Prosecutor's Office has acquired initial documentation and is investigating the necessary permits and interventions. Surveillance camera footage capturing the sequence of events is being reviewed, and the site has been sealed off. Local officials and trade unions have emphasized the moral and civil duty to prioritize workplace safety culture, calling for vigilance.

Institutions, at all levels, have the moral and civil duty to renew their commitment to ensure that the culture of safety becomes an absolute and non-negotiable priority, wherever one's work is performed.

โ€” Francesco RogoliThe mayor of Mesagne expressed the need for enhanced safety measures following the fatal incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.