Minervino remembers the 57th anniversary of the tragic explosion of 1967 – MinervinoLive.it

Today, May 23, 2024, Minervino commemorates the 57th anniversary of one of the most painful tragedies in its history. It was May 23, 1967, when a gas cylinder explosion shocked the historic center of the city, destroying eight young lives and profoundly impacting the community.

The tragedy occurred around 12.30 pm in Via Vigilante, in the heart of the ancient village known as “Scesciola”. The explosion devastated a small house while a housewife was preparing lunch. Among the victims there were Lucia Conte, Angela Maria Carlone, Costanza Serlenga, Carmela Pantone, Rosa Chinelli (who was in the sixth month of pregnancy), Maria Balice, Gennaro Delfino and Anna Giuliano. The latter, a little girl, had left school an hour earlier due to an appointment with her mother, unaware of the tragic fate that awaited her.

The victims were all residents of the area or were on the street at the time of the explosion. He stood out among them Gennaro Delfinoa 22-year-old young man who lost his life while heroically trying to help the unfortunate poor.

The explosion also injured six people and triggered a series of frenetic rescue operations, during which the people of Minervine demonstrated great unity and generosity. The news of the tragedy had enough resonance to attract the attention of the national authorities. A few hours after the accident, the Prime Minister Aldo Moro he arrived in Minervino to pay homage to the victims and visit the wounded. Accompanied by the Mayor Pietro CannoneMoro visited the mortuary of the cemetery where the bodies had been collected and subsequently went to the local hospital.

The following day, also the President of the Republic Giuseppe Saragat he sent a message of condolence, expressing his deep sadness and best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

Today, 57 years later, Minervino remembers with emotion the eight young lives shattered and pays homage to all those who, with courage and solidarity, faced that terrible day. The memory of Lucia Conte, Angela Maria Carlone, Costanza Serlenga, Carmela Pantone, Rosa Chinelli, Maria Balice, Gennaro Delfino and Anna Giuliano remains alive in the heart of the community, a warning to never forget the value of life and human solidarity.