Italy fireworks factory explosion kills mother and son

A mother and son were killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Torano di Borgorose, central Italy, firefighters and prosecutors confirmed Wednesday. The incident marks the second fatal blast at the family-owned Pirotecnica Mattei factory within three years.

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were found in the remains

The victims, identified as 30-year-old factory employee Simone Colle and his 60-year-old mother, Teresa Tozzi, were found in the wreckage of the facility. The explosion occurred in a building used for handling firework-making materials, according to the Rieti province prosecutor. Images released by the fire brigade show the building was completely destroyed.

Tragically, this is not the first time the factory has been the site of a deadly accident. A July 2023 explosion at the same location killed Simone Colle's uncle, Franco Colle, and his two children. Following that incident, the company's owners received four-year prison sentences for involuntary manslaughter and violations related to storing explosive materials and labor laws. Despite this, the factory resumed operations with a new license.

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Given the gravity of this tragedy, we cannot accept the argument that this was just a matter of fate.

Local union CGIL expressed strong dissatisfaction with the tragedy, rejecting the notion that it was merely a matter of fate. The union is demanding a comprehensive investigation to uncover the causes of the explosion, identify all responsible parties, and meticulously verify adherence to all health and safety regulations. This latest incident follows a pattern of danger at the site, including a 1983 explosion at another Mattei factory that killed six people, three of whom were family members of the owners.

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It is essential to fully bring to light the causes of this explosion, to quickly determine all those responsible and to verify down to the last detail whether all health and safety rules were followed.