Building collapses in Messina, at least 5 seriously injured in hospital

A two-storey building collapsed in the town of Pistunina along the provincial road 114 in Messina, leaving at least five people seriously injured. The incident occurred in the afternoon, with victims being rushed to the Policlinico di Messina hospital in critical condition. Emergency services activated an internal emergency plan due to the high volume of casualties, bringing in doctors from other hospitals to assist. Six individuals remain missing following the collapse, according to multiple sources. Search efforts continue, though some of those listed as missing may not have been at home during the incident. The mayor of Messina, Federico Basile, ordered the immediate activation of the municipal operational center (Coc) to coordinate assistance activities and provide necessary support to those affected by the collapse. Social services within the city were also mobilized to aid families impacted by the disaster. “We are constantly in contact with all authorities involved in the emergency,” Basile stated. “Activating the Coc and social services will ensure every form of support and solidarity to those affected, making available all necessary municipal resources.” The administration confirmed it would continue monitoring the situation, providing timely updates and ensuring full cooperation with the relevant bodies managing the crisis. The building, constructed in the late 1980s, had two floors each spanning approximately 2,500 square meters. The upper section included four apartments and a large terrace. Once a symbol of Messina, the structure now appears devastated, resembling damage caused by an explosive device. Around the restricted area, people gather, curious bystanders and those seeking information about the incident. Some residents narrowly escaped injury, having left their homes or shops just in time, still struggling to comprehend what has transpired. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, working alongside local authorities to secure the area and conduct search operations. The cause of the collapse is under investigation, with officials examining structural integrity reports and potential external factors. Engineers and urban planners are expected to assess the site to determine whether the building was structurally compromised prior to the incident. Residents in the surrounding neighborhoods expressed concern over the safety of nearby structures, prompting calls for increased inspections of older buildings. Local officials have assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, the community continues to rally around those affected, offering support through volunteer groups and local charities. The collapse has drawn attention to broader issues regarding infrastructure maintenance and safety standards in older residential areas. Experts suggest that regular assessments of aging buildings could help identify risks before they become critical. In the meantime, the focus remains on locating the six missing individuals and providing medical care to the injured. The police have urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of the missing to come forward immediately. Authorities have established temporary shelters for displaced residents, while cleanup crews prepare to remove debris from the site. The process is expected to take several days, with ongoing coordination between municipal, regional, and national emergency management teams. As the investigation progresses, more details about the sequence of events leading up to the collapse are anticipated to emerge.