Tragedia a Padova: giovane ucraina muore travolta da un treno

Tragedy in Padua

A tragic incident shocked the city of Padua on October 10, 2024. Olesya Kypriyanchuk, a young twelve-year-old Ukrainian, lost her life after being hit by a freight train while crossing the tracks on Via Friburgo, in the San Lazzaro neighborhood. In an attempt to get home, the girl ignored the lowered barriers and walked onto the tracks. Despite the timely intervention of the train drivers, who applied the brakes, the train, traveling at 52 km/h, could not avoid the impact.

Safety investigations at the level crossing

The investigations involved the expertise of engineer Luigi Cipriani, a specialist in accident investigation. The train drivers were cleared of any responsibility, as their conduct was deemed impeccable. Attention has now shifted to the safety of the level crossing, with questions about the proper signaling of the tracks and the absence of safety devices under the barriers. The prosecutor is evaluating any potential liability of the Municipality or the Railway Group.

The grief of the school community

Olesya, who had fled the war in Ukraine with her mother, attended Pacinotti middle school. Her death has left an unfillable void in the school community and in the San Lazzaro neighborhood. Despite the immediate alert from the train drivers, there was nothing that could be done to save the young girl.