Elton Dema, a 41-year-old Albanian immigrant, tragically lost his life following a workplace accident in Erba, Como. Dema, who came to Italy just a year ago seeking better opportunities for his family, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, at San Gerardo Hospital in Monza, where he had been hospitalized after the incident.
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| Elton Dema in Kukës (Facebook) |
Originally from Kukës, Albania, Dema had relocated to Italy to support his wife and four children, who joined him in July. After initially living alone in Azzano San Paolo, he reunited with his family, and they settled in Stezzano. Their home, shared with Dema’s sister and brother-in-law, provided the family with a sense of stability and community. His children—Endri (13), Edita (10), Elton (7), and Ergi (almost 5)—had started attending local schools and were adapting well to their new environment.
However, the family's life was upended by this tragic loss, compounded by financial difficulties as Dema's wife, Bledjana, is currently unemployed. His death leaves not only his wife, children, and sister mourning, but also his elderly mother and two brothers—one still in Albania and the other also living in Italy.
The Fatal Incident
Dema, employed by a company in Grassobbio under a formal contract, had set out to work early on Monday, November 18. At a construction site in the former Gasfire area in Erba, he was using a forklift to work on a fragile roof when the machinery’s movement caused him to be crushed against the ceiling.
Emergency services, including paramedics, fire crews, health and safety technicians, and law enforcement, were quick to respond. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, his injuries proved fatal, and he succumbed two days later.
The local mayor, Mauro Caprani, also visited the site of the incident, underscoring the gravity of the tragedy. The authorities have launched an investigation, and Dema's body remains under the custody of the prosecutor’s office pending an autopsy. His family hopes to repatriate his remains to Kukës for burial.
Calls for Workplace Safety
Dema’s death has sparked renewed calls for improved safety in the construction sector. Labor unions, including Filca Cisl, Feneal Uil, and Fillea Cgil, have expressed their condolences and frustration over yet another preventable workplace death.
“This is yet another tragic reminder that someone who left home to work will never return to their family,” the unions stated, emphasizing the urgent need to address the systemic safety failures in construction. They highlighted that such tragedies are far too common, pointing to insufficient enforcement of safety protocols and the need for stricter inspections and regulations in the sector.
This heartbreaking incident not only underscores the dangers faced by workers but also sheds light on the precarious lives of immigrants striving for a better future in a foreign land. For Dema’s family, the road ahead will be fraught with challenges as they cope with their loss and navigate their uncertain circumstances.