A dramatic scene unfolded Sunday afternoon at the Casamassima Shopping Center, located in the Bari province of Italy, when a fire erupted due to fireworks allegedly set off by local children. Thankfully, no injuries or intoxications were reported, and the situation is now under control.
The fire was first noticed during the busy shopping hours, coinciding with the first Sunday of sales—a popular time for shoppers. Eyewitness accounts describe moments of panic as smoke billowed from the scene, prompting immediate responses from local firefighters and police.
Local authorities stated, "Nessuno è rimasto ferito né intossicato, e ora la situazione è sotto controllo," confirming the safety of those present. The incident reportedly began when several firecrackers were set off within a paper and cardboard compactor, igniting the flames. Firefighters quickly worked to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
The involvement of children is under investigation, as police are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area to identify the individuals responsible. According to reports, local police stated, "Gli agenti della polizia locale stanno acquisendo le immagini registrate dai sistemi di videosorveglianza" to help track down those who might have started the fire.
This unfortunate event has brought up discussions around safety and supervision, especially concerning children, during public events. While the fire may have caused alarm, local officials were quick to act, ensuring public safety remained a priority.
Community members, meanwhile, expressed relief at the lack of injuries, calling for greater awareness about fire safety to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The Casamassima incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of fireworks and the importance of community vigilance during festive times.