Naples, fire destroys Sannazaro Theatre. Four intoxicated, two firefighters injured

The flames were high, the smoke thick. Fear among residents of the central Via Chiaia for the fire that involved the historic Theatro Sannazaro in Naples located on the building's ground floor. According to initial indications from investigators, the fire may have been caused by arson. The column of smoke caused by the fire was visible from different areas of the city.

"We have been awake since five o'clock, there is an impressive cloud," they say, "we have been in the house with handkerchiefs over our noses.

Four people were intoxicated by smoke and some were also taken to hospital by the 118 emergency services for minor intoxication. All were transported in a yellow code: their condition does not cause concern.

No people were burnt and no other interventions were carried out by the 118 emergency services, which were present in Via Chiaia with a post to intervene in case of need for the fire brigade still engaged in extinguishing the flames.

The dome of the theatre - which is not visible from the street, as it is set inside the courtyard of the building adjacent to the church of Santa Maria della Mercede - was severely damaged by the fire. The provincial commander of the Naples Fire Brigade, Giuseppe Paduano, speaking on the fire that involved the Sannazaro Theatre, explains that "the damage is extensive, the theatre has unfortunately been completely compromised". And to those who ask him what remains of the theatre, he replies: 'Very little'. "Inside there are still some small outbreaks that we will soon extinguish,' he explains. 'On the causes it is still early to assess, now first we will put out the fire and then we will evaluate.