Accident at the high-speed rail construction site in Florence: a worker dies. Another fatality in Chieti

One worker has died following a workplace accident this afternoon in Florence, at the construction site of the new high-speed railway station – the Foster Station – on Via Onofrio Zeffirini. The alarm was raised by the colleagues of the two workers. Paramedics from the 118 emergency service arrived at the scene: the doctor could do nothing but confirm the death.

The worker who died, a young man of Moroccan origin in his thirties, was, according to accounts from other foreign workers who were on the building site, struck by the pylon during an unloading manoeuvre, following a structural failure. The Mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro, and the President of the Tuscany Region arrived at the scene.

“Rete Ferroviaria Italiana expresses its condolences and sympathy to the family of the worker from the Florentia consortium – a company involved in the construction of the new high-speed rail station in Florence – who died today whilst carrying out his duties. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently being investigated by the relevant authorities,” the company said.

A 23-year-old man died early on Thursday morning at the San Panfilo wine cooperative in Scerni, in the Chieti area, whilst working with a machine. There was nothing that could be done to save the young man, a university student nearing graduation and likely working there on a seasonal basis. The Fire Brigade and the Carabinieri attended the scene, as did the mayor of Scerni, Daniele Carlucci. “This is a tragedy that has shocked and deeply saddened the entire community of Scerni; today and in the coming days will be a time of mourning for the community. I will certainly declare a day of municipal mourning on the day of the funeral,” said the mayor. Condolences were also expressed by the president of the province of Chieti, Francesco Menna. “This is tragic news that leaves us dismayed and deeply affects the entire community,” he said. “To the victim’s family, his loved ones and all his work colleagues, I offer my deepest condolences and the support of the institutions at this time of such great sorrow. This latest workplace tragedy calls upon everyone – institutions, businesses and social partners – to fulfil their responsibility to strengthen all necessary measures to ensure safety in the workplace. The protection of workers’ lives and dignity must be an absolute and non-negotiable priority. We cannot resign ourselves to the loss of human lives whilst people are at work.”