Around the tragedy of Casteldaccia (Palermo) where five workers died intoxicated by hydrogen sulphide fumes in a sewerage well, other dramatic stories emerge.
Among these, that of one of the rescuers who, during the operations, discovered that one of his cousins was also among those lifeless workers, and another survived.
«I coordinated the rescue efforts as often happens when you have to give directives to help those who need help in dramatic moments. What you don't imagine is that during the operations you will then discover that your relatives are among the victims."
«It was a shock – added the man -. You have to try to stay clear and think that you are saving people who need your help and at the same time you have a lump in your throat that won't leave you. The adrenaline of the long hours spent trying to give my all in these moments kept me on my feet and alert. But as news arrived from Casteldaccia my heart was filled with pain. Unfortunately one of the victims was my cousin. A golden man, a hard worker, a special person who loved his wife and children. A specialized worker who has always lived off his work." «After the surgery was finished, after the first four hours the managers gave me a break. There I collapsed in tears. It was really difficult. Today I went to visit my surviving cousin and then the family of my other family member who was the victim of this latest, terrible massacre", he recalled. «My cousin was the only financial support of the family, he went out every morning to bring a piece of bread home. It really is not tolerable that these things happen." «Every time I hear that it must be the last. – he concluded – Unfortunately I don't know if this will be the case. One thing I would like to say: don't forget those who remain."
