Tragedy Strikes Taranto Steel Plant
A 36-year-old worker, identified as Loris Costantino, tragically died on Monday, March 2, 2026, after falling from a height of approximately 10 to 12 meters at the former Ilva steel plant in Taranto, Italy. Costantino, an employee of Gea Power, a cleaning company contracted by the plant, was engaged in cleaning operations in the Agglomeration Department when the incident occurred.
According to initial reconstructions, the accident was caused by the collapse of a grated walkway (piano di calpestio/passerella grigliata) from which he fell. He sustained severe injuries to his chest and arms. Despite being initially conscious and transported to the plant's infirmary, his condition rapidly deteriorated after being transferred to the Santissima Annunziata hospital in Taranto, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Second Fatal Incident in Two Months
This incident marks the second fatal accident at the Taranto steel plant, now managed by Acciaierie d'Italia in Amministrazione Straordinaria, within a span of less than two months. On January 12, 2026, another worker, Claudio Salamida, died under similar circumstances, also due to the collapse of a walking surface in the plant's converter area. The area of the previous incident is currently under judicial seizure.
Union Response and Calls for Action
In response to Costantino's death, major trade unions including Fim Cisl, Fiom Cgil, Uilm Uil, and Usb, immediately occupied the company's management offices and proclaimed a 24-hour strike for both direct and contract workers, commencing at 12:30 PM on Monday. The unions expressed profound sorrow and highlighted concerns over the plant's safety conditions and alleged lack of maintenance.
Acciaierie d'Italia in Amministrazione Straordinaria issued a statement expressing 'deep condolences for the tragic loss' and affirmed that all necessary investigations have been initiated to reconstruct the dynamics of the event, pledging full cooperation with authorities. The mayor of Taranto, Piero Bitetti, described the news as 'unbearable' and called for urgent interventions, emphasizing the need to accelerate the plant's sale process to ensure a safer working environment. Inspectors from Spesal (Service for Prevention and Safety in Work Environments) and law enforcement are on site to investigate the incident and assess responsibilities.
5 Comments
Bella Ciao
Finally, the unions are taking a stand. This management needs a serious wake-up call regarding worker safety.
Muchacha
This is absolutely tragic and completely unacceptable. How many more lives must be lost before real changes are made?
Mariposa
Solidarity with the striking workers! Demand justice and proper safety measures. The company must be held accountable.
Africa
The unions are right to demand better safety conditions and accountability for these tragedies. Yet, a 24-hour strike, while impactful, might only be a temporary measure without sustained investment and oversight from all stakeholders, including the government.
Bermudez
While the repeated fatalities highlight critical safety failures, we must acknowledge the immense challenge of modernizing such an old, sprawling industrial complex. A comprehensive plan, not just piecemeal reactions, is essential for long-term safety.