Latest news with #GuardiadiFinanza
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
American tourist impaled on Colosseum fence for 20 minutes
A tourist — reportedly an American living in Taiwan — was impaled on a fence last Friday at the Colosseum in Rome, where he dangled for 20 minutes, eventually passing out before his rescue. It's not clear why the individual, identified as a 47-year-old male, scrambled onto the fence, although Italian news media have speculated that he was either attempting to secure a selfie with the famed landmark in the background or trying to get a better view. According to Day Italian News, with some translation help from Google, at 5 p.m. Friday with about 20 people nearby, the tourist scrambled onto the fence and fell, ending up impaled by a metal tip. Those nearby called for help as the man screamed in pain. Dozens of paramedics, a police patrol and a Guardia di Finanza crew arrived to find the man still stuck, impaled through his lower back and 'in a state of deep shock.' He was given sedatives and passed out during the rescue, which took about 20 minutes. The report said he was stabilized and his bleeding controlled with a compression bandage so he could be taken in serious condition to the San Giovanni Hospital, which is located about 15 minutes away. The wound in the man's lower back took more than 80 stitches to close, according to Italian media, but he is considered out of danger and officials are trying to determine why he was climbing on the fence. It's far from the first time that tourists have been injured while visiting historic sites. And photography is often at the heart of the coming tragedy. A study in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care reported on 259 documented cases of people dying while taking selfies between October 2011 and November 2017. A slightly more recent study, looking at 2008 to 2021 and reported in the Journal of Travel Medicine listed 379 people dying in 292 incidents while taking selfies. Add in uncounted cases and also those involving photos that aren't selfies and it's clear that care is vital. Numerous tourists have fallen to their deaths at the Grand Canyon after getting too close to the edge in order to get photos, including selfies, despite safety railings and signs that say to keep back. In a 2019 incident reported by The Associated Press and other media, a tourist from Hong Kong fell 1,000 feet at Eagle Point while taking a photo too close to the edge. In 2016, a tourist died after falling off a cliff while posing for a photo at Machu Picchu in Peru. The individual reportedly jumped up into the air for the photo. According to The Guardian, Oliver Paps of Germany fell into a ravine while posing in the restricted area. In 2018, a married couple who were travel bloggers, Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, and her husband Vishnu Viswanath, 29, died after falling from Taft Point in Yosemite National Park while taking selfies. They were too close to the edge, according to a story by KTLA TV in Los Angeles. The story reported that 'she was a self-described 'adrenaline junkie,' and he took 'wow-worthy photos' of the couple posing at the edge of cliffs and jumping from planes that appeared on social media and a travel blog that attracted thousands of followers.' In 2019, someone live-streaming a climb on Mount Fuji in Japan fell to his death. He reportedly was attempting a solo climb in winter and ignored safety guidelines, according to The Japan Times. Several tourists have been injured or killed after tripping on the uneven stairs at the Taj Mahal in India while taking selfies. BBC reported on a death involving a Japanese tourist in 2015 when he tripped while taking a selfie at the Taj Mahal's Royal Gate and fell, hitting his head hard enough to knock him out. He died at the hospital. The deadly risks of ill-considered photo seeking have been real for many many years. For instance, a 16-year-old girl who climbed up on a parapet to take a picture of the Trocadero garden in Paris fell to her death in 1986, according to the Los Angeles Times. That was well before the selfie craze and social media.
Ya Biladi
25-03-2025
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan man arrested for gangmastering and labor exploitation in Italy
A Moroccan man was arrested in Palagonia, Catania, for gangmastering and labor exploitation, Italian media reported on Tuesday. The Guardia di Finanza apprehended him while he was transporting workers to citrus fields. Investigators, following the vehicle, discovered three non-EU workers subjected to degrading conditions, lacking contracts, protective equipment, and proper medical checks. They were also denied their weekly day off and paid below the legal wage. Additionally, the arrested man had sublet a property to the workers under poor hygienic conditions, further exploiting their vulnerable situation. Many of the laborers, struggling with economic hardship, were sending most of their wages back to their families and facing language barriers in Italy.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
‘Someone cooked a sausage on a lava rock': Mount Etna's growing problem with tourists
Marco Restivo / Etna Walk Sicilian mountain police are urging people to keep their distance from Mount Etna's lava flows and to follow the local rules, as tourists flock to the volcano to witness its ongoing explosive eruption. Giuseppe Distefano of Etna Walk has been leading groups up Etna for 23 years. Since Europe's most active volcano started erupting on February 8, he has observed a worrying deterioration of tourist behaviour. 'During these 12 days of eruptions, we have seen so many absurd situations. There are some walking to the lava flow with plastic bags on their feet so as to not wet their shoes with snow and ice,' he says. Restrictions require people to stay at least 500m (1,640ft) away from the lava flow. Skiing is also banned, but there is footage showing people ignoring this rule. Some ill-prepared tourists are getting into trouble on the volcano due to the foggy and icy conditions. 'There have been several injuries, including someone who broke their ankle,' says Distefano. 'Some have got hypothermia, some have got lost.' Part of the problem, says Distefano, is that during the beginning of this latest eruption there was no guard at the entrance to the Pista Altomontana (the main track on Etna) to discourage or prevent those who were poorly equipped, or who were walking without the help of a guide. As a result, Distefano says there has been a rise in tourists attempting to get close to the lava flow to capture photographs and carry out bizarre stunts. 'Someone roasted a sausage on a lava rock, and another guy I know brewed a coffee with an Italian coffee maker,' says Distefano. Obviously there was no shortage of fierce criticism for the total lack of respect. 'The day after these images circulated online, [local police] put the prohibitions on approaching and the obligation of a guide. So those who previously could see the eruption for free and in complete freedom now have to pay from €50 to €85 for a mandatory guide.' It has been a busy period for mountain rescue on the volcano. Marshal Angelo Previtera, who works for alpine rescue of the Guardia di Finanza, says: 'Since the lava flow is easily reachable, because it has already crossed the high mountain track, many people venture out dressed inappropriately, as if they were in Catania centre. 'These last rescues that we did, we noticed that people were coming with tennis shoes in unsuitable clothing. We always recommend relying on qualified people, such as mountain guides or volcanological guides. For those who know the area, you must definitely equip yourself with a head torch and appropriate clothing. And always communicate where you are going.' Distefano was born in Sicily in 1979 and now leads groups on Mount Etna, primarily photographers, journalists and film-makers working for international news agencies. But he receives requests from all sorts of prospective clients. 'There are many people who, when Mount Etna is erupting, will book a flight. If I check my email during an eruption longer than one day, I will have dozens of emails from people wanting to visit Etna,' he says. 'I received a request from a wine producer. He wanted to photograph a bottle of wine next to the lava flow and then wait and photograph the destruction [of the bottle] at the hands of the lava. I did not accept, despite the large sum offered. I have received other requests, like people who want to walk on a lava flow. One guy wanted to cook something on a lava flow with me, but I said no.' Distefano says that some of his clients have large social media followings. 'Some people try to have the best video to share on social media. If you say: 'We need to stop here,' they will say: 'I can give you €1,000 more – can we go there?' I will say 'No, if we go there you will take an incredible video, but tomorrow you will go away and I will stay here, and it will create big trouble for me. Here is perfect, another 500m won't change your incredible picture.'' While social media has exacerbated the problem on Mount Etna, Distefano says the volcano has always attracted crowds during eruptions. 'I remember the 1983 eruption, when I was four years old. It was an important eruption, because it reached around 1km (0.6 miles) from my village, and it was the first attempt to [redirect] the lava flow. 'I remember the dark. I was with my parents, and I remember this wall of rocks, red, moving closer and closer. All of the people reached the lava flow and it was like a party. Now we have a lot of restrictions.' But those restrictions have not dampened the local affection for Etna. 'In mid-August in Italy there's a holiday called the Ferragosto. Nobody works during the evening. Last year, the erupting volcano was crowded with people. It was like a circus. It was really strange. They had their umbrellas up because it was raining ash. When people come in far from Sicily and see the videos they say: 'Maybe you are crazy.'' Distefano stresses that ascending Mount Etna can be extremely dangerous, even if you are assisted by an experienced guide with decades of experience. Aside from the lava explosions, there can be fractures in the ground, and ice is a significant challenge on the mountain, which reaches 3,404m (11,165ft) in altitude. 'We have a lot of injuries on Etna, and a lot of people die on the volcano. In 1979, nine people were killed by an explosion,' he says, adding that Etna has become more dangerous in the past decade with a higher frequency of explosive eruptions. 'During 2017, I was with a crew from the BBC and there was an explosion close to a lava flow. It was a big one with 10 people injured, but nobody was killed, luckily. 'Another big problem is thunder. There are no trees, meaning you are the tree on the top. Ten years ago, during a thunderstorm, I felt it on my skin and hair. The lightning was around me. You can feel the energy around you, because your hair quickly moves. This was a clear sign to run away.' In late February, Distefano is due to go up in a helicopter with the Guardia di Finanza Alpine Rescue to survey the new lava flow. 'I have a big respect for the volcano,' he says. 'This is the most important thing.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
21-02-2025
- Telegraph
‘Someone cooked a sausage on a lava rock': Mount Etna's growing problem with tourists
Sicilian mountain police are urging people to keep their distance from Mount Etna 's lava flows and to follow the local rules, as tourists flock to the volcano to witness its ongoing explosive eruption. Giuseppe Distefano of Etna Walk has been leading groups up Etna for 23 years. Since Europe's most active volcano started erupting on February 8, he has observed a worrying deterioration of tourist behaviour. 'During these 12 days of eruptions, we have seen so many absurd situations. There are some walking to the lava flow with plastic bags on their feet so as to not wet their shoes with snow and ice,' he says. Restrictions require people to stay at least 500m (1,640ft) away from the lava flow. Skiing is also banned, but there is footage showing people ignoring this rule. Some ill-prepared tourists are getting into trouble on the volcano due to the foggy and icy conditions. 'There have been several injuries, including someone who broke their ankle,' says Distefano. 'Some have got hypothermia, some have got lost.' Part of the problem, says Distefano, is that during the beginning of this latest eruption there was no guard at the entrance to the Pista Altomontana (the main track on Etna) to discourage or prevent those who were poorly equipped, or who were walking without the help of a guide. As a result, Distefano says there has been a rise in tourists attempting to get close to the lava flow to capture photographs and carry out bizarre stunts. 'Someone roasted a sausage on a lava rock, and another guy I know brewed a coffee with an Italian coffee maker,' says Distefano. Obviously there was no shortage of fierce criticism for the total lack of respect. 'The day after these images circulated online, [local police] put the prohibitions on approaching and the obligation of a guide. So those who previously could see the eruption for free and in complete freedom now have to pay from €50 to €85 for a mandatory guide.' It has been a busy period for mountain rescue on the volcano. Marshal Angelo Previtera, who works for alpine rescue of the Guardia di Finanza, says: 'Since the lava flow is easily reachable, because it has already crossed the high mountain track, many people venture out dressed inappropriately, as if they were in Catania centre. 'These last rescues that we did, we noticed that people were coming with tennis shoes in unsuitable clothing. We always recommend relying on qualified people, such as mountain guides or volcanological guides. For those who know the area, you must definitely equip yourself with a head torch and appropriate clothing. And always communicate where you are going.' Distefano was born in Sicily in 1979 and now leads groups on Mount Etna, primarily photographers, journalists and film-makers working for international news agencies. But he receives requests from all sorts of prospective clients. 'There are many people who, when Mount Etna is erupting, will book a flight. If I check my email during an eruption longer than one day, I will have dozens of emails from people wanting to visit Etna,' he says. 'I received a request from a wine producer. He wanted to photograph a bottle of wine next to the lava flow and then wait and photograph the destruction [of the bottle] at the hands of the lava. I did not accept, despite the large sum offered. I have received other requests, like people who want to walk on a lava flow. One guy wanted to cook something on a lava flow with me, but I said no.' Distefano says that some of his clients have large social media followings. 'Some people try to have the best video to share on social media. If you say: 'We need to stop here,' they will say: 'I can give you €1,000 more – can we go there?' I will say 'No, if we go there you will take an incredible video, but tomorrow you will go away and I will stay here, and it will create big trouble for me. Here is perfect, another 500m won't change your incredible picture.'' While social media has exacerbated the problem on Mount Etna, Distefano says the volcano has always attracted crowds during eruptions. 'I remember the 1983 eruption, when I was four years old. It was an important eruption, because it reached around 1km (0.6 miles) from my village, and it was the first attempt to [redirect] the lava flow. 'I remember the dark. I was with my parents, and I remember this wall of rocks, red, moving closer and closer. All of the people reached the lava flow and it was like a party. Now we have a lot of restrictions.' But those restrictions have not dampened the local affection for Etna. 'In mid-August in Italy there's a holiday called the Ferragosto. Nobody works during the evening. Last year, the erupting volcano was crowded with people. It was like a circus. It was really strange. They had their umbrellas up because it was raining ash. When people come in far from Sicily and see the videos they say: 'Maybe you are crazy.'' Distefano stresses that ascending Mount Etna can be extremely dangerous, even if you are assisted by an experienced guide with decades of experience. Aside from the lava explosions, there can be fractures in the ground, and ice is a significant challenge on the mountain, which reaches 3,404m (11,165ft) in altitude. 'We have a lot of injuries on Etna, and a lot of people die on the volcano. In 1979, nine people were killed by an explosion,' he says, adding that Etna has become more dangerous in the past decade with a higher frequency of explosive eruptions. 'During 2017, I was with a crew from the BBC and there was an explosion close to a lava flow. It was a big one with 10 people injured, but nobody was killed, luckily. 'Another big problem is thunder. There are no trees, meaning you are the tree on the top. Ten years ago, during a thunderstorm, I felt it on my skin and hair. The lightning was around me. You can feel the energy around you, because your hair quickly moves. This was a clear sign to run away.' In late February, Distefano is due to go up in a helicopter with the Guardia di Finanza Alpine Rescue to survey the new lava flow. 'I have a big respect for the volcano,' he says. 'This is the most important thing.'
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Yahoo
Italian police seize 788 kilograms of cocaine at southern port
Italian police have seized 788 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside bags of pellets and in the engine area of a refrigerated container, news agency ANSA reported. The cocaine, with a street value of about €126 million ($132 million), was found by the Guardia di Finanza police in the port of Gioia Tauro in the southern region of Calabria. The cocaine was split in bricks. Some of them were found hidden in hundreds of bags of pellets, while others had been carefully concealed inside a cavity in the engine compartment of a refrigerated container transporting frozen fish. The drugs were discovered upon closer inspection of three suspicous shipping containers hailing from South America and heading to ports in Italy and Spain, ANSA reported. The Guardia di Finanza is a branch of the police which investigates financial crimes and smuggling.
