The funeral has taken place of a ten-year-old boy who died of horrific injuries when a live shell allegedly brought home by his grandfather exploded without warning in the family garage.
The detonation was so severe it blew out all the building’s windows at the family home in Vivaro, northeast Italy, on 22nd September.
Victim Gabriele Cesaratto had been in the garage with his grandfather when the area was rocked by the blast, believed to have been caused by a live artillery shell.
Gabriele was a keen football player and had joined the Under-11 team of the local football club, Vivarina, just like his father Marco and even before that, his grandfather. He was supposed to make his debut after his birthday, which was just a few days away.
A minute’s silence was announced on all football fields of the National Amateur League.
Paramedics found them both still alive and rushed them to the Santa Maria degli Angeli Hospital in Pordenone where Gabriele was declared dead.
His 73-year-old grandfather Silvio Cesaratto had severe injuries to his legs but is expected to recover.
Gabriele was buried and the local community declared a day of mourning as it took place yesterday, on Monday, 2nd October.
How the blast was triggered is unclear, says local media, but the area is often littered with shells used in military exercises.
Police believe the unexploded shell exploded while it was being examined after being carried back home.
The prosecutor’s office in Pordenone has opened an investigation into Silvio Cesaratto for involuntary manslaughter and possession of explosive material.
Gianluca della Libera, president of the Vivarina Association, said: “Young Gabriele had started playing with the Under-11s this year.
“We had formed a team for kids his age, and with some effort, because the town is small, we managed to put together a little team.
“There was a lot of enthusiasm among the young children.
“His father, Marco, played here in Vivaro for many years, and Grandfather Silvio is a pillar, a cornerstone of the club.”
