A terrible accident almost led to tragedy on Saturday night, when a shower of stones hit the tables of the Stella restaurant and pizzeria, one of the most famous and central restaurants in Naples. The collapse occurred around 11 p.m., when the lower part of a balcony on the second floor of the building above crumbled, causing heavy rocks to fall into the outdoor space of the restaurant.
Moments of panic
At the time of the accident, there were approximately 150 people in the restaurant. Fortunately, the number of patrons was lower than during the full evening or lunch shift, avoiding a tragedy. The roar, the dust and the screams triggered panic, with customers fleeing from the laid tables. The restaurant workers immediately noticed that the restaurant’s open curtain, destroyed under the blows of the rocks, partially cushioned the falling stones.
Intervention by the authorities
The Fire Brigade and Municipal Police promptly intervened on site to carry out initial checks and secure the area. The owner of the restaurant announced that Stella remained closed yesterday, and that the reopening will depend on the technical inspections underway, aimed at establishing the safety of the restaurant located between numbers 2 A and 2 B on Via Partenope.
Maintenance of buildings: an urgent need
The accident has shone a spotlight on the maintenance of buildings along the seafront, an area of great tourist attraction that requires constant care. «There is saltiness here – says Cappabianca, owner of the restaurant – constant maintenance is needed». Numerous balconies between via Nazario Sauro, via Caracciolo and via Partenope are protected by green containment nets, a clear sign of the need for maintenance interventions.
Previous damage and need for intervention
The episode brings to mind the damage from the storms at the end of 2021, which hit the Neapolitan seafront hard. The violent waves damaged the kitchens of some restaurants near the islet of Megaride and destroyed the Bourbon Arch, Castel dell’Ovo (still undergoing restoration) and the Colonna Spezzata pier, located a few steps from Piazza Vittoria.
Even though two and a half years have passed, the scars of those storms are still evident, with safety barriers demarcating areas still awaiting repair. The accident on Saturday evening underlines the urgency of structural interventions and regular maintenance to prevent similar future episodes, guaranteeing the safety of residents and tourists.
