Conca d’Oro shopping centre in Palermo devastated by major fire

A major fire has devastated the Conca d’Oro shopping centre in Palermo, Sicily. The blaze, which reportedly started on the roof, caused significant structural damage, including the collapse of parts of the ceiling. While the building was successfully evacuated and no customers or workers were injured, one firefighter was hospitalized after suffering from smoke inhalation.

Emergency services, including over fifteen fire brigades, the Forestale helicopter, and Civil Protection, worked through the night to extinguish remaining hotspots and begin cleanup operations. Investigators, including the Fire Brigade's investigative unit, are examining the cause of the fire. Preliminary hypotheses suggest an electrical fault, such as a short circuit or a malfunction in a rooftop heat pump or air conditioning unit.

The incident has sparked serious economic concerns, with an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 jobs at risk. Labor unions, including SINALP Sicilia, have called for an immediate crisis meeting involving regional and local authorities to protect workers' incomes and prevent a long-term employment crisis. Regional officials have expressed solidarity with the affected families and are monitoring the situation to ensure that bureaucracy does not delay the eventual reopening of the facility.