An Italian man, Salvatore Sinagra, 30, lies fighting for his life at the University Hospital of Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, following a brutal assault outside a bar in Lanzarote last week. Reports indicate Sinagra suffered severe head trauma, landing him in intensive care after being violently attacked after arguing with another patron.
Sinagra, originally from Favignana, was enjoying time with friends playing foosball when the disagreement escalated. After stepping outside for a cigarette, he was reportedly confronted and brutally beaten by the same individuals involved earlier. His father, Andrea Sinagra, emotionally recounted the harrowing details of the night.
“My son is in a coma with a broken skull because he crossed paths with the wrong person. No one knows who it is. The Spanish police tell me they are investigating, but so far there’s been no progress,” Andrea told La Stampa. The gravity of the situation is exacerbated by the uncertain nature of the assault, with no clear motives behind the violent reaction.
Witnesses reportedly saw multiple individuals involved, and indications are some might have used blunt objects such as steel rods or brass knuckles during the attack. The lack of significant leads has left many questions hanging, prompting anxiety and despair within the Sinagra family.
“The situation is grave. My son is fighting for his life, and I don’t even know why he was attacked,” Andrea added, as he focused on being by his son’s side during this harrowing time.
Initially treated at a local clinic on Lanzarote, Salvatore required immediate transfer to Las Palmas due to the severity of his injuries. After undergoing delicate surgery to address the extensive hematoma on his brain, doctors have cautioned the family about the potential for permanent consequences from his injuries.
The local community back home is rallying around the Sinagra family, expressing shock and calling for urgent justice. The mayor of Favignana, Francesco Forgione, emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, “What happened is extremely serious. We are close to Salvatore and his family and ask all relevant institutions to actively investigate and identify those responsible.”
This tragedy has not only affected the family but has sent shockwaves through the island of Favignana, which is historically known for its peaceful tourism—where such violence is unprecedented. Community members have expressed their disbelief and sorrow over this brutal act.
Andrea has also sought assistance from the Italian consulate in Spain to navigate the legal intricacies surrounding the investigation, hoping for answers and justice. “These delinquents attacked him when he asked, 'Why? What do you want? I haven’t done anything.' Initially, it seemed like it could end there, but then they awaited him outside the bar and assaulted him when he went out for fresh air,” he explained.
Further complicate matters are the delays and lack of updates from authorities. Conflicting information has frustrated Andrea, as he experiences the dual burden of seeking justice for his son and enduring helplessness as he waits for concrete news.
La Stampa highlighted how this tragic event has sparked conversations about safety and consequences for violence within some Spanish tourist spots, shedding light on the keys to enhancing security for both residents and tourists alike.
Nearby, members of the community have gathered to show their support—a poignant reminder of how this incident disrupted their collective sense of safety and belonging. Many locals have taken to social media to express their outrage and solidarity, demanding accountability for the attack.
From his hospital room, Salvatore fights against time, surrounded by loved ones who wish for his recovery. Andrea remains determined to shed light on his son’s plight, consistently reiteriating his call for justice. “Every day I wait for updates from the consulate. I just ask for justice and to please find those responsible,” he implored.
While the investigation continues, the community stands firmly with the Sinagra family, hoping for answers and advocating for greater protection to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. They unite behind the belief no one deserves such brutality, especially not Salvatore, known among his friends and family as a kind and upbeat individual with dreams cut short by needless violence.