On Friday, April 18, 2025, the small community of Valdagno in the province of Vicenza was shaken by tragedy as search and rescue teams recovered the bodies of a father and son who had gone missing after their car fell into a sinkhole during severe weather. The victims, Leone Francesco Nardon, 65, and his son Francesco, 34, were reported missing in the early hours after their vehicle was swept away by the torrential rains that plagued the region.
The search efforts began at 2:00 AM when the Nardons' car fell into a sinkhole that formed on Via Terragli, a road leading to the bridge Nori. The intense downpour, which had already inundated the area, created dangerous conditions, leading to the collapse of the bridge and the subsequent tragedy. According to local reports, the Nardons were en route to Valdagno to assist with volunteer efforts following widespread flooding in the area.
By 10:00 AM, Leone's body was located in the Trissino basin, approximately ten kilometers downstream from where the incident occurred. Firefighters, aided by drones and helicopters, worked tirelessly in treacherous conditions to recover the bodies. Francesco’s body was found about an hour later, near the industrial area of Valdagno.
As the news broke, Luca Zaia, the President of the Veneto Region, expressed his condolences and concern for the community. “I am following the search for the missing father and son with apprehension. Unfortunately, for one, hope is already lost,” Zaia stated, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions that led to this disaster. He thanked the regional civil protection teams and volunteers who have been working around the clock to assist those affected by the flooding.
The rains that fell on the region were unprecedented, with reports indicating that over 100 mm of rain fell in West Vicenza, with peaks of 134 mm in Valli del Pasubio and 191 mm in Staro. This deluge occurred on top of already saturated ground that had absorbed 70-120 mm of rain earlier in the week, creating a perfect storm for flooding.
In addition to the tragic loss of the Nardons, the severe weather caused significant damage across the region. Dozens of landslides were reported in the northwest municipalities of Vicenza, with the situation deemed critical in areas such as Recoaro, Valdagno, and Cornedo. Firefighters and civil protection teams responded to over 100 emergency interventions in the Agno valley alone, addressing flooding and landslides that threatened homes and infrastructure.
The Agno River overflowed in Cornedo Vicentino, leading to the flooding of critical roadways and bridges, including those on Via Budrion, Briscola, and Via De Gasperi. Local officials reported that a historic record of 50 mm of water fell in just one hour, exacerbating the already dire situation.
In the wake of the disaster, many residents found themselves isolated. The Zamperetti district, for example, was cut off for several hours but was later reopened thanks to the efforts of local citizens who rallied to assist their neighbors. Firefighters also played a crucial role in rescuing vulnerable individuals, including a disabled child who needed assistance to evacuate from a flooded area.
The community of Valdagno is now grappling with the aftermath of the flooding and the loss of the Nardons. The local government is coordinating with various agencies to assess the damage and provide support to those affected. As recovery efforts continue, residents are left mourning the loss of two individuals who sought to help others in their time of need.
In a broader context, the severe weather has prompted discussions about infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change and extreme weather events. As communities across the region face similar challenges, the need for improved flood management systems and emergency preparedness has never been clearer.
As the search and recovery operations concluded, the community of Valdagno reflected on the tragic events of Good Friday. The outpouring of support from local residents and emergency responders underscores the strength of community bonds in the face of adversity. While the loss of Leone and Francesco Nardon is a heartbreaking reminder of the power of nature, it also highlights the importance of community solidarity and resilience in times of crisis.
