Maria Luce declared out of danger after life‑saving aortic surgery

Six‑year‑old Maria Luce, the sole survivor of the April 2026 Catanzaro tragedy in which her mother jumped from a balcony and two siblings died, has been declared out of danger. After a severe aortic rupture, liver laceration, lung contusions and head trauma, she was first stabilized at the AOU "Renato Dulbecco" in Catanzaro and then transferred by a military air‑ambulance to the Giannina Gaslini Institute in Genoa.

A complex eight‑hour cardio‑surgical procedure successfully reconstructed her aorta and restored blood flow, allowing the left lung to re‑expand. Over 60 specialists from both hospitals participated, and the collaboration has been formalised through a new hub‑and‑spoke agreement. Officials confirmed that Maria Luce shows no neurological deficits or motor impairment, marking a remarkable medical outcome.

The recovery was highlighted by regional health officials, including Liguria President Marco Bucci and Health Assessor Massimo Nicolò, who praised the joint effort of the two centres and the rapid stabilization that made the transfer possible.