Lucrezia Ciotti A double tornado hit the Trapani area on Friday, October 9th, causing severe damage between Marsala and Petrosino. Homes were destroyed, cars overturned, and a school was devastated by the fury of the winds. The provisional toll stands at 11 injuries, while rescuers have recovered two missing workers. High alert levels remain for severe weather, with the risk of further heavy rains and flooding.
A tornado hits Trapani, causing devastation between Marsala and Petrosino: 11 injured.
A violent wave of bad weather hit the province of Trapani this morning , Friday, October 9, when a double waterspout moved from the sea toward the mainland, transforming into a tornado. The most serious consequences were recorded in Marsala , where homes, cars, and a school were damaged , while in Petrosino, a vehicle was thrown into a ravine.
The provisional death toll is 11, including several children . The two workers initially missing were later recovered in good condition. Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution due to the risk of further heavy rainfall and flooding.
Marsala: Alcide De Gasperi school destroyed, children and teachers affected.
Among the hardest-hit areas was the Terrenove district of Marsala, where the whirlwind struck the branch of the Alcide De Gasperi comprehensive school, causing serious damage to the structure. According to initial reports, 273 students were present at the time of the waterspout. The prompt action of the school staff, who sought shelter in a safer area of the building, helped avoid worse consequences . Principal Leonardo Gullotta described the situation in dramatic terms: " A waterspout hit the Terrenove branch head-on and completely destroyed it ."
Several children and adults were taken to the emergency room at Paolo Borsellino Hospital in Marsala for treatment and checks. Most reportedly suffered grazes and minor injuries , while two people involved in the incident in Petrosino, where a car was thrown into a ravine , reported more serious injuries . Injuries were also reported in Mazara del Vallo, including a 70-year-old man hospitalized with multiple injuries. The health situation was managed by activating the emergency plan due to the massive influx of patients.
The fury of the wind It also affected housing: the mayor of Marsala, Andreana Patti, initially reported that five houses destroyed, specifying that the damage assessment was still ongoing. Numerous roofs have been blown offVarious cars have overturned and some power poles were knocked down.
During rescue operations in the Terrenove district, firefighters also extracted a German Shepherd puppy from the rubble, which was later returned to its owner. Emergency crews worked amid debris, blocked roads, and damaged structures.
Weather alert in the Trapani area, authorities appeal for solidarity with families
While inspections of buildings and infrastructure continue, the weather remains highly sensitive. The Municipality of Trapani has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to refrain from staying in underground spaces, given the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding . The head of the regional Civil Protection Department, Salvo Cocina, confirmed that the two workers initially missing have been recovered in good condition, while rescuers continue to intervene in the most damaged areas.
Sicilian Regional President Renato Schifani expressed concern over the incident, assuring he was in contact with the Civil Protection Department to coordinate the necessary interventions. Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci also contacted the Prefect of Trapani to update him on the emergency, expressing his sympathy to the affected communities and thanking the rescuers and healthcare workers.
Regional MP Cristina Ciminnisi called for adequate resources to support residents and municipalities , drawing attention to prevention and the need to address the effects of extreme weather events. The mayor of Petrosino, Giacomo Anastasi, also urged residents to stay home and keep the streets clear to facilitate rescue efforts. Safety operations and damage assessments continue, while the communities of Marsala and Petrosino grapple with the consequences of a day marked by fear and devastation.