April 19, 2025 – Province of Treviso, Italy
A devastating tragedy has struck northern Italy after a father and son were killed when their car was swallowed by a massive sinkhole, believed to have opened up due to recent severe weather and ground instability. Authorities confirmed that the victims, Leone Nardon, 58, and his son Francesco, 26, were traveling together when the road beneath them collapsed without warning.
Local officials and emergency responders are calling it one of the most shocking geological accidents in recent memory — and one that may have been impossible to predict.
A Routine Drive Turns Tragic
The incident occurred on a narrow rural road near Oderzo, a town in the Province of Treviso, Veneto region. According to preliminary reports, Leone and Francesco were returning home from a family visit in extremely dangerous weather conditions, including torrential rain that had flooded parts of the countryside.
At approximately 9:45 p.m. local time, their black Fiat Panda is believed to have driven over a section of the road that had been weakened by erosion beneath the asphalt. In a split second, the ground caved in — forming a sinkhole several meters wide and deep — engulfing the vehicle entirely.
Francesco Reportedly Tried to Escape
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound, followed by the faint cries of a person calling for help from within the hole. By the time emergency crews arrived, it was too dark and too unstable to attempt immediate recovery.
Firefighters who later descended into the collapsed section say that evidence suggests Francesco had attempted to escape the vehicle, possibly managing to open his door before being pulled down by debris and water.
“It was clear he tried to survive,” one firefighter told Corriere della Sera. “But the collapse was too sudden. He didn’t have a chance.”
Weather to Blame — But Not Entirely
Italy has experienced an increasing number of infrastructure failures linked to extreme weather, and this incident is being investigated as a combination of natural forces and human vulnerability. A recent geological report had warned that the region’s underground water flow was destabilizing older roadways, especially those without reinforced foundations.
“We are not dealing only with bad luck,” said Dr. Carlo Menetti, a geotechnical engineer. “This is the tragic consequence of aging infrastructure under pressure from a changing climate.”
Officials have promised a full audit of local roads and an immediate assessment of the sinkhole zone.
Remembering Leone and Francesco Nardon
The Nardon family is well-known in the area. Leone, a former teacher, was beloved for his warmth and dedication to local students. His son Francesco had recently graduated in economics and was working for a regional cooperative bank.
Neighbors and friends gathered in silence outside the family’s home as news spread, many placing flowers and candles by the gate.
“They were inseparable,” said a family friend. “To lose them both like this — it’s unbearable.”
A Community in Mourning
The mayor of Oderzo has declared a day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and a memorial service planned for later this week.
“This is a tragedy that has shaken our entire community,” the mayor said in a statement. “We will support the Nardon family in every way possible, and we will take urgent steps to prevent another disaster like this.”
A Stark Reminder
This heartbreaking accident highlights the growing dangers posed by extreme weather and neglected infrastructure — not just in Italy, but across Europe. As sinkholes, landslides, and flash floods become more common, experts warn that preventive action is more urgent than ever.
For the Nardon family, that warning comes too late.
But perhaps their loss can serve as a wake-up call — to save lives before another road gives way.