A car on fire, unbearable odors in the air, and a great deal of concern among residents: this is what has been happening for days on Via Chiaramonti, in Quartucciu, where the blaze of a BMW X5 has left not only a blackened carcass under the sun, but also anger, health concerns, and a sense of abandonment.
The fire broke out last week during the night between Saturday and Sunday, around 3:00 a.m. Two fire engines responded to put out the flames, which completely destroyed the vehicle and also damaged the shutters of the surrounding homes.
The fire broke out a few steps from Piazza Sunda, the open-air theatre "Olata" and the post office, in an area usually frequented by families.
A week later, however, the wreckage of the car is still there. Residents report a complete lack of intervention from the competent authorities.
"We live in the Wild West," they say. "No one has come forward to remove that wreck, which continues to emit toxic fumes and odors. We fear for our health and that of our children."
The situation is particularly alarming for one resident, a cancer patient, forced to breathe the persistent and potentially harmful fumes released by the fire. Residents are wondering: "Who will dispose of the vehicle? And most importantly, who will pay?"
According to firefighters, the removal must be carried out by a specialized company, but in the meantime, no agency appears to have taken action. Residents have made an impassioned appeal to the City Council to urgently clean up the area and intensify nighttime patrols by law enforcement.
"We cannot continue to live with the constant fear of new episodes of violence or vandalism," they say in unison. "We have the right to live in safety and in a healthy environment."