A tragic incident unfolded in the Foggia province of Italy, where two farm workers from Mali were struck by a car while riding a scooter to work. The accident, which occurred in the Puglia region, led to the death of one worker and left another seriously injured. The driver responsible for the crash fled the scene without offering help, abandoning the car nearby and disappearing into the countryside.
The victim, 28-year-old Tounkara Karamoko, had arrived in Italy five months earlier, seeking work in the agricultural fields. He was living in the Mezzanone settlement, a makeshift camp known for its poor living conditions. On the morning of September 11, Tounkara and his friend, a 25-year-old also from Mali, were on their way to work when their scooter was suddenly struck by a car. Unfortunately, Tounkara did not survive the violent impact, dying at the scene. His companion was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Authorities were alerted when passing drivers noticed the two men lying on the road. Police are currently searching for the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. The abandoned car was found close to the accident site, but the driver managed to flee on foot into the surrounding countryside. Investigators are working diligently to identify and apprehend the suspect.
This incident sheds light on the harsh conditions faced by many foreign labourers in Italy, particularly in Puglia’s agricultural sector. Tounkara, like many others, had come to the region in search of work, despite the grueling nature of field labour and the inadequate housing available to workers. These labourers often live in settlements like Mezzanone, which lack basic amenities such as running water and proper sanitation. Despite these hardships, many continue to work in the fields to support themselves.
Local unions and associations have condemned the government’s failure to address the dangerous and inhumane conditions these workers face. The ARCI association criticized the lack of proper infrastructure, which forces labourers to commute long distances under unsafe conditions, often risking their lives. They also raised concerns about the unfulfilled promises of funding from the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) that was meant to improve housing and transportation for these workers.
Union leaders have called on the government to prioritize the safety and welfare of foreign labourers, urging the swift allocation of resources to ensure that these workers have access to safe transportation and proper living conditions. With more than 50 million euros from the PNRR funding yet to be utilized, there is a growing demand for action to prevent further tragedies like this.