In a tragic incident on the notorious Scampia estate in Naples, two people lost their lives and 13 others sustained injuries when a walkway connecting two sections of a building collapsed, plunging them to the ground below. The estate, long associated with mafia drug wars and urban decay, has been a hotbed of criminal activities and unsafe living conditions.

The incident occurred on a sweltering night when several members of the same family were seeking respite outside. Suddenly, the third-floor walkway crumbled beneath their feet, causing the devastating accident. Vincenza Troise, a resident, described the horrifying moments, stating that they were having dinner with open doors due to the intense heat when they heard a loud roar resembling an earthquake.

Following the incident, over 800 people were evacuated from the estate overnight, fearing further structural risks. Some residents blamed ongoing building work on the estate for the collapse, recounting daily vibrations from jackhammers and rocks tumbling down the premises.

Authorities in Naples have launched a manslaughter investigation into the incident, seeking to hold accountable those responsible for the tragic loss of lives and injuries. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her distress and offered her condolences to the victims' families.

The Scampia estate, constructed during Italy's postwar economic boom in the 1960s, quickly deteriorated into a hub for organized crime, prostitution, and drug dealing. The situation worsened when families displaced by a devastating earthquake in 1980 illegally occupied the Scampia buildings, exacerbating overcrowding and hazardous conditions.

Over the years, the mafia turf wars and violent clashes between rival gangs have garnered attention, with Scampia becoming a symbol of urban decay and criminality. Efforts to demolish the dilapidated "Sails" on the estate began in 1998 but were repeatedly halted due to the discovery of asbestos.

While progress has been made, with a university campus built on one of the demolished sites, plans for a new kindergarten, cultural center, and park are still underway. By the end of this year, only one building, Vela Celeste (Blue Sail), where the tragic collapse occurred, is set to remain standing and will be repurposed into offices.

The mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident but reaffirmed the commitment to repurpose the remaining building and continue the regeneration project on Scampia estate. He emphasized the importance of hoping for the recovery of the injured children and reiterated the city's unwavering dedication to the community's redemption.

The devastating walkway collapse serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by the Scampia community, marred by mafia influence and a long history of neglect. It highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, safety measures, and ongoing efforts to uplift the neighborhood and provide a better, safer environment for its residents.