Two men tragically lost their lives, and five others were injured in a severe car accident that occurred around 2 AM on March 23, 2025, in the Pusiano tunnel along the provincial road SP 639 in Como province, specifically between Pusiano and Eupilio. The victims, identified as Matta Mazzina, 42, a resident of Colico, and Ivan Mezzera, 43, from Bellano, succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The horrific crash involved three vehicles, including a Volkswagen Golf in which the victims were traveling. Preliminary investigations indicate that the Golf collided head-on with a Ford Pickup, resulting in a chain reaction that also involved a third vehicle, an Opel. According to local authorities, emergency services were alerted shortly after the accident, with the first calls coming in at 2:13 AM. Four ambulances and multiple medical units were dispatched from nearby towns such as Erba, Canzo, Grandate, and Lipomo, highlighting the chaotic and urgent nature of the response.
As paramedics arrived, they were met with what one of the first responders described as a "dramatic scene," with vehicles twisted and debris scattered along the road. Struggling to navigate through wreckage, emergency teams worked tirelessly to rescue the injured and recover the deceased from the mangled cars. The operations extended for hours, as rescuers battled through the wreckage while also reassuring the public and managing the flow of traffic around the disaster site.
Among the injured were five others, aged between 20 and 40 years old. The responding medical teams reported that two of the injuries were categorized as severe, with two individuals aged 20 and 21, along with two men aged 30 and 40. These individuals were swiftly transported to hospitals in the region, including San Gerardo Hospital in Monza and Sant'Anna Hospital in Como.
The accident led to total traffic interruptions throughout the night, with authorities working to secure the area and gather evidence. One firefighter, reflecting on the intensity of the emergency response, noted, "We worked for hours to rescue the injured and recover the deceased from the wrecks." Their efforts were compounded by the shock of dealing with fatalities on the scene, which deeply affected the first responders.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. Just a day before, two teenagers, 19-year-olds Riccardo Gualandris and Nora Jawad, lost their lives in a separate accident in Cavernago, Bergamo, where their car collided head-on with a truck. This has sparked growing concerns regarding road safety and traffic management in the region, leaving many to wonder about the safety protocols in place, especially in high-traffic areas like the Pusiano tunnel.
The ongoing investigation into the cause of the Pusiano accident involves assessing driving conditions and the possibility of mechanical failure, while authorities also plan to review video footage from surveillance placed in and near the tunnel. The gathered evidence will include witness testimony aimed at clarifying the moments leading up to the crash.
Currently, the local community in Como province is mourning the loss of two lives cut short far too early, while families are left grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. The bodies of the deceased have been made available to the judicial authority for further proceedings, as the investigation continues to unfold.
The Pusiano tunnel has seen its fair share of accidents in the past, raising questions about the adequacy of safety measures in place. As the investigation progresses, residents and officials alike hope for answers that could prevent future tragedies on these perilous roads.
Authorities stress the importance of awareness and caution while driving through such areas, particularly during the nighttime when visibility is less than ideal. In the face of this heart-wrenching situation, the community stands united in its grief and determination to pursue improved safety on the roads.
