Rome, March 13 – An 80-year-old man, Domenico De Gasperis, was tragically killed on Wednesday afternoon in the eastern part of Rome when his own car, a Ford EcoSport, rolled down a ramp after its handbrake reportedly failed. The vehicle subsequently ran over and dragged him for several meters, leading to his immediate death. The incident took place in Via Piandimileto, Castelverde.
The Discovery of the Body
The alarm was raised around 5:00 PM when an emergency call was made to 112 reporting a person run over by a car. Police, 118 medical personnel, and local police responded to the scene. Domenico De Gasperis, originally from the province of Rieti, was found by one of his sons who, as was his daily routine, stopped by the farmhouse after work. Upon arriving, the son found the external gate open and his father’s lifeless body trapped under one of the car’s wheels.
Despite the son’s immediate attempts to move the vehicle and the swift arrival of paramedics, there was nothing that could be done for the 80-year-old. Medical personnel could only confirm his death at the scene.
Investigation Underway
The son informed investigators, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rome, that the car had been experiencing braking system problems for some time, and his father had planned to take it to a workshop in the coming days. The initial assessment of the dynamics of the incident, based on preliminary findings, was later confirmed by surveillance camera footage from the property. The footage captured the entire incident, ruling out the involvement of any third parties.
The police have secured the area and are continuing their investigation to fully ascertain the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. No further details have been released at this time regarding the specific mechanical failure or any potential negligence.
Community Impact
The sudden death of Domenico De Gasperis has sent shockwaves through the local community in Castelverde. Residents expressed their condolences and sadness over the loss of a long-time resident. The incident highlights the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety, particularly for elderly drivers.
This tragedy marks another somber event in Rome, reminding citizens of the fragility of life and the unforeseen dangers that can arise even in familiar surroundings. The authorities are urging all vehicle owners to ensure their cars are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent similar incidents.
