«Our team of workers was working on cleaning the drains of the sewer system because we had received a report and a request for intervention. But it's absurd that they didn't protect themselves, the smell was strong and why they didn't do it seems incomprehensible."
Thus the president of Amap Alessandro Di Martino regarding the workplace accident in Casteldaccia (Palermo) , which cost the lives of 5 workers, who died from the salting of hydrogen sulphide .
According to what the rescuers ascertained, in fact, none of the victims were wearing an anti-gas mask and, according to the reconstructions, when the first one felt ill his colleagues tried to help him, but one after the other, they suffered ailments, which turned out to be fatal. With the right protection they could have saved themselves. This was not the case.
The victims are Epifanio Alsazia, 70 years old, Giuseppe Miraglia, 47 years old, Roberto Raneri, 51 years old, Ignazio Giordano, 59 years old, and Giuseppe La Barbera, 28 years old. A sixth worker was taken to hospital in very serious conditions.
An investigation was opened into the incident, while the tragedy aroused not only condolences but also reactions of anger and bewilderment.
«I hope that full light will be shed on the dynamics of the accident. But yet another unacceptable massacre at work - just a few days before May 1st - must forcefully reiterate the need for a common commitment which must concern social forces, entrepreneurs and the relevant institutions", said the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella , visiting New York.
Meanwhile, CGIL, CISL and ULL have proclaimed a general strike of 4 hours in the Palermo area and 8 hours for the construction category.
