A violent brawl involving flying deckchairs, wooden crates and reportedly knives erupted during one of Italy’s biggest summer celebrations, leaving a number of people injured and five people detained.
The violence broke out at around 3am last Saturday on a public beach in Fiumarella, Mondragone, in the province of Caserta, during Ferragosto celebrations. Ferragosto is a major Italian summer holiday celebrated on August 15, when crowds traditionally flock to the coast for late-night festivities and bonfires.
Dispute spirals out of control
The altercation reportedly began over a trivial dispute before rapidly spiralling out of control. Deckchairs and wooden crates were allegedly hurled through the air as those involved traded slaps, kicks and punches. Two women were also reportedly seen grabbing each other by the hair and hurling abuse.
Several knives were allegedly pulled out during the chaos, leaving a number of people injured. The violence then spilt from the beach onto the nearby seafront, sparking panic and sending dozens of people fleeing.
Police respond and detain five
Police rushed to the scene and struggled to separate those involved and prevent the situation from escalating further. Five people were detained and taken to a police station for identification, as reported by NeedToKnow.
They included a man and a woman from Mondragone, as well as a man, a woman and a minor from the nearby province of Naples. Ambulance crews were also called to treat those injured in the melee.
Mayor’s ban and calls for tougher controls
The five were subsequently identified and reported on suspicion of taking part in a brawl, insulting a public official and resisting a public official. The chaos unfolded despite an order from Mondragone mayor Francesco Lavanga banning bonfires and camping on the beach that night.
Italian MP Francesco Borrelli has now called for tougher controls in the area. He said: “More stringent checks and a widespread security presence are needed along the Domitian coast: orders and bans cannot remain merely on paper. Anyone who turns beaches and public places into scenes of violence must be identified and dealt with firmly.”
