Father and Son Die After Car Falls Into Sinkhole

In a heartbreaking incident amid severe flooding in northern Italy, a father and son lost their lives after a sinkhole opened beneath their vehicle and swept them into a river.

Leone Nardon, 64, and his 21-year-old son Francesco were driving into the town of Valdagno in Vicenza, Veneto, to assist those affected by the devastating floods. As they approached the area, the ground beneath their car suddenly collapsed, plunging the vehicle into the Agno River.

Emergency responders later recovered Leone’s body from the riverbed, while Francesco, an engineering student, was found near the submerged car. It is believed that he attempted to escape but was caught in the powerful current.

Luca Zaia, President of the Veneto Region, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss. “It is a tragedy. The loss of these two lives will be remembered. I send my heartfelt condolences to their family,” he stated.

Francesco’s community also mourned his passing. The Band Cornedo Vicentino, where he played the trumpet, paid tribute to his dedication and spirit. “Though he joined us just over three years ago, Francesco’s passion, integrity, and commitment stood out. Even while studying at university in Modena, he never missed rehearsals or performances when home,” the statement read.

Northern Italy remains under red alert as torrential rains cause widespread flooding. In Aosta Valley, 26,000 people have been left without electricity due to storm damage.