Carbon monoxide poisoning kills volunteer in Alpe Devero

A fatal carbon monoxide poisoning occurred in a mountain hut at Alpe Buscagna, in the Alpe Devero area of Baceno, during the night of August 29-30. Pietro Maria Fiori, a 35-year-old volunteer from Milan, died in the incident. Fiori was participating in the ‘Pasturs’ project, which connects young volunteers with local livestock farmers.

Five other people were intoxicated in the structure. A 19-year-old woman was airlifted to Niguarda Hospital in Milan in critical condition, though her status has since stabilized. Other victims include the owner of the agricultural business, his father, and two workers. Some victims remain under observation in Novara, while others are being discharged from Domodossola.

Authorities from the Alpine Rescue of the Guardia di Finanza have seized the boiler used in the hut to investigate the cause of the gas leak. Preliminary reports indicate the heating system had been recently installed. The building is owned by the Municipality of Baceno and managed by the Ossola Protected Parks and Areas Authority.