Building collapses in Messina, Sicily: at least five injured, six missing as rescue teams search rubble

What happened

A building in the Pistunina area of Messina, along State highway 114, collapsed on the afternoon of 30 July 2026. The structure, built in the late 1980s, contained commercial premises on the lower floors and apartments on the upper floor. Witnesses described a scene of devastation, with the building partially caved in. Some residents managed to escape before the collapse. The exact time of the incident was around 16:00 local time, according to one report.

Casualties and missing

At least five people were pulled from the rubble alive but in critical condition. They were transported under code red to the Policlinico di Messina, where the hospital activated its internal emergency plan and called in doctors from other facilities. Relatives reported being unable to contact family members who lived in the building, and authorities said up to six people remain unaccounted for. The number of missing is not yet confirmed, with search operations ongoing.

Rescue and response

Firefighters deployed multiple teams, including USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) specialists, dog units, and drone operators. The damaged part of the building was secured to allow safe search conditions. Mayor Federico Basile immediately activated the municipal operations centre (COC) and social services to coordinate assistance and support affected families. The area was cordoned off to facilitate rescue work and ensure public safety.

We are constantly in contact with all authorities involved in the emergency. The activation of the COC and social services will allow us to guarantee every form of support and closeness to the people involved, making all necessary municipal resources available. The municipal administration will continue to follow the evolution of the situation, providing timely updates and ensuring full collaboration with the bodies responsible for managing the emergency.

Cause under investigation

Investigators are examining several hypotheses for the collapse. Mayor Basile initially suggested a gas cylinder explosion, but other officials have not ruled out structural failure. Some witnesses said they heard no explosion, and reports indicate that renovation work was underway on the ground floor at the time. The building, which covered about 2,500 square metres per floor, had been a local landmark for decades. Technical assessments are ongoing to determine the exact cause.

Official reactions

Sicily's president, Renato Schifani, assured the city of his support for all relief measures. The municipal administration pledged to provide timely updates and full cooperation with emergency services. The hospital's emergency plan remained active as medical staff treated the injured.