Susanna Riva On the morning of October 22nd, residents of Piano Lonaro, a hamlet in the municipality of Lucoli nell'Aquila, witnessed a dramatic scene: a lifeless body lay at the bottom of a slope, just meters from a car engulfed in flames. The passenger who reported the incident immediately alerted law enforcement, allowing the Carabinieri and emergency responders to respond quickly.
The discovery of the young man in Piano Lonaro
The body was located on Via del Biancospino, a rugged road leading down to the valley. After sealing off the area, authorities began identifying the victim. It was discovered that he was Wissem Hmida , a 27-year-old Tunisian citizen who had been working for three years, along with his brother, in a local manufacturing company.
Identification and work context
Preliminary investigations confirmed that Hmida had been living in the area for several years, integrating into the Lucoli community. His role at the company, although not specifically specified, was considered stable, and he had no known criminal record. This profile led investigators to consider both personal factors and workplace circumstances, but without drawing definitive conclusions.
The car set on fire nearby
A car, now reduced to a charred pile of wreckage, was found next to the body. No license plate has yet been reported, but initial analyses by firefighters have confirmed that the fire occurred shortly before the young man was found. The proximity of the two objects has prompted investigators to explore possible connections: could the vehicle have played a role in the incident, or was the young man attempting to escape the flames?
Investigations and hypotheses on the facts
Currently, the Carabinieri are gathering testimonies, analyzing proximity camera logs, and initiating autopsy procedures to determine the exact cause of death. The most discussed hypotheses include a possible slide down the slope after exiting the burning vehicle, or a separate accident that led to the fall down the embankment.
Possible scenarios reconstructed
Authorities are evaluating three main scenarios: (1) a hasty escape from the burning vehicle, resulting in a loss of balance; (2) trauma from impact with the ground, resulting from an accidental fall; (3) an external event, such as an attack or conflict, which caused both the fire and the death. Until the autopsy provides more precise information, each hypothesis remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, the community of Lucoli remains shocked by this tragic event. Residents have expressed solidarity with Hmida's family and called for clarity on the facts. Law enforcement has assured that the investigation will continue with the utmost care, while ensuring local safety and the transparency of the investigative process.