Plains of Carinthia in mourning: the explosion in Calabria took a father and a husband, "a man of heart and work"

A tragic explosion in southern Italy has claimed the life of a 46-year-old Slovenian man, leaving his wife and daughter seriously injured. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 25, around 8:30 PM local time at a tourist accommodation called Villa Mary near the town of Mileto in Calabria. The man, identified as Izidor, was a resident of Ravne na Koroškem, a municipality in northern Slovenia known for its close-knit community. His death has deeply affected both his hometown and the Italian region where the tragedy unfolded. The explosion happened while the family was preparing dinner in their apartment. According to initial reports, the blast was powerful enough to damage the ceiling, collapse intermediate floor slabs, and breach walls in the ground floor of the building. The force of the explosion sent flames through the structure, forcing the family to flee toward the pool area. Two carabinieri stationed nearby rushed to assist them, using fire extinguishers before helping the family reach safety in the pool. All three members of the family sustained second- and third-degree burns over more than 30 percent of their bodies. They were immediately taken to medical facilities for treatment. Izidor was transported to Palermo, his daughter to Bari, and his wife to Catania. Despite intensive medical care, Izidor succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, August 27. His wife and daughter remain hospitalized for ongoing treatment. The news of the tragedy has resonated strongly with the residents of Ravne na Koroškem. The local municipality declared a period of mourning from August 28 to 30 and canceled civilian events planned for the Feast of the Patron Saint of the town. Officials described Izidor as a remarkable individual who contributed significantly to the community through his knowledge, compassion, and active participation in local initiatives. He was a dedicated member of the community and had been involved in projects initiated by the municipal administration. In a statement, the mayor of Ravne na Koroškem, Tomaž Rožen, along with municipal staff, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. They extended condolences to the family, friends, and anyone who knew Izidor, emphasizing the support of the entire community for his wife and daughter during their recovery. The municipality wished for their successful treatment and a swift return home. The tragedy has also impacted the town of Mileto, where the accident took place. Local authorities announced a period of mourning from August 28 to 30 and canceled public events scheduled for the Feast of the Patron Saint of the town. The mayor justified the decision by stating that such a time calls for prayer and reflection rather than celebration. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing. The owner of the tourist accommodation stated that the property is officially registered and holds all necessary permits and certifications. She has provided technical documentation to investigators and pledged full cooperation. Authorities will need to determine definitively what caused the explosion on that evening. The family had traveled to Calabria ahead of the school year, hoping to explore areas they had previously wanted to visit. They came from Kotelj, a village in Slovenia, traveling approximately a thousand kilometers to Mileto, a historic town in the province of Vibo Valentia, located about 20 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Mileto has historical ties dating back to the 11th century, when it became part of the domain of Norman Count Roger I of Sicily and later served as a bishopric center. They stayed in a ground-floor double room at B&B Villa Mary, which reportedly received high ratings from guests on several platforms and was considered one of the best accommodations in the town. Shortly after settling in, the family began preparations for dinner on the night of the incident. Their plans for a peaceful vacation turned into a nightmare when the explosion shattered their lives. Authorities have sealed off the premises and continue searching for answers regarding the cause of the disaster. While preliminary findings suggest a gas cylinder might have been responsible, the investigation is still in progress. As the community mourns the loss of a beloved figure, the focus remains on supporting the surviving family members and uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.