Investigation Launched into Negligent Disaster Following Niscemi Landslide in Sicily

Salvatore Vella, the prosecutor of Gela, has announced that 13 individuals are currently under investigation for their potential roles in the negligent disaster and damages caused by a landslide that struck Niscemi, Sicily, on January 25. This catastrophic event resulted in the collapse of a portion of the historic center of the town. Among those facing scrutiny are high-profile political figures including Renato Schifani, the President of the Region, and Nello Musumeci, the former Minister for Civil Protection who previously held the role of President of Sicily from 2017 to 2022. The investigation also includes two former regional presidents, Raffaele Lombardo and Rosario Crocetta. Notably, key figures responsible for regional Civil Protection from 2010 to 2026, such as Calogero Foti and Salvatore Cocina, are also under examination. The inquiry further extends to the general directors of the regional office tasked with managing hydrogeological instability and the head of a temporary business association that was engaged in risk mitigation works related to landslides back in 2000, for which an allocation of 12 million euros was made. The landslide has posed a significant threat to the neighborhoods of Sante Croci and Trappeto, particularly affecting the area along Via del Popolo, which spans approximately four kilometers. Concerns regarding the stability of the historic center have been longstanding, with it being known for decades that a substantial portion of this area was constructed in a zone vulnerable to geological hazards. In fact, a similar landslide event occurred in 1997, and for years the municipality has been actively seeking funds from the regional government to reinforce the southwestern front of the plateau that overlooks the Gela plain. This ongoing struggle for resources highlights a pressing need for effective disaster preparedness and risk management in regions susceptible to such natural events, where timely intervention could mitigate severe consequences. As the investigation progresses, the community remains hopeful for accountability and change to prevent future disasters. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2