In a tragic incident that has shaken the community of Valdagno, father and son Leone and Francesco Nardon lost their lives after their car plunged into the Agno torrent due to severe weather conditions. The unfortunate event occurred around 8:00 PM on April 17, 2025, when the bridge they were crossing collapsed, creating a sinkhole that swallowed their vehicle.
Leone Nardon, 65, and his son Francesco, 34, were reportedly on their way to assist with rescue efforts in Valdagno after hearing about the extensive flooding that had affected the area. The torrential rains had caused significant damage, prompting many volunteers to step in to help, including the Nardons, who owned and operated Sitec Srl, a company specializing in industrial automation and robotics.
According to reports, the Nardons’ car, a Fiat Ulysse, was swept away by the floodwaters after the bridge collapsed. Surveillance footage captured the moment the bridge gave way, leading to the heartbreaking loss of both lives. The alarm was raised by family members around 2:00 AM the following morning when the Nardons failed to return home, prompting a search operation.
The search efforts involved firefighters, rescue teams, and drones, who worked tirelessly throughout the night. Leone's body was discovered in the Trissino lamination basin, approximately 10 kilometers downstream from the bridge collapse site, while Francesco’s body was found later, near the bridge between Spagnago and Valdagno, entangled in vegetation.
Local authorities and community members have expressed their sorrow over the tragic loss. Luca Zaia, the president of the Veneto region, described the incident as "a tragedy that will be remembered in history due to the loss of these two lives." He extended his condolences to the Nardon family and acknowledged the bravery of those who risked their lives to help others during the emergency.
Reports indicate that as much as 200 millimeters of rain fell in Recoaro, with Valdagno receiving 160 millimeters, leading to dangerously high water levels in the Agno river. The river reached a historic peak of 2.73 meters at the Brogliano bridge, surpassing previous records. The bridge where the Nardons met their fate was an older structure, located about 30 meters from a newer bridge that was still operational.
Leone Nardon was a respected member of the National Carabinieri Association and was known for his dedication to both his business and the community. His son Francesco was also committed to their family business, where they worked side by side. The loss of both individuals has left a profound impact on the local community, who had been following the search efforts closely.
This incident highlights the dangers posed by severe weather and the risks that volunteers take to assist during emergencies. As the community mourns the loss of Leone and Francesco, many are also reflecting on the importance of safety measures and infrastructure resilience in the face of climate challenges.
The bridge collapse and the resulting tragedy have prompted local authorities to investigate the structural integrity of similar bridges in the area and to review safety protocols during extreme weather events. The bridge where the Nardons' car fell has been placed under investigation by the Vicenza prosecutor's office to determine the causes of the collapse.
As the community comes together to support the Nardon family during this difficult time, many are also calling for increased awareness and preparedness for future weather-related emergencies. The Nardons' story serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit and the lengths individuals will go to support their neighbors in times of crisis.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Valdagno is united in grief, remembering the lives of Leone and Francesco Nardon as dedicated individuals who selflessly sought to help others in need.
