Father and Son Killed After a Sinkhole Swallowed Their Car. The Son May Have Tried to Escape

Father and Son Tragically Killed in Italian Sinkhole Disaster

A devastating incident in Valdagno, Italy, has left a community mourning the loss of a father and son who lost their lives after their car was swallowed by a sinkhole amidst severe flooding. Leone Nardon, 64, and his son Francesco Nardon, 21, were on the road in the Veneto region on the evening of April 17, 2025, when tragedy struck.

The sinkhole opened up beneath their car as they were travelling, engulfing them in floodwaters. Reports indicate that the collapse occurred at around 8 p.m. local time during heavy rain and hazardous weather conditions. While the exact reason for their journey during such dangerous weather remains unclear, there are suggestions that they may have been out volunteering to assist others in need during the severe storm.

The family became concerned when Leone and Francesco failed to return home by 2 a.m. on April 18. After alerting the authorities, it was discovered that Leone’s body was found around six miles away from the collapse site, indicating he was swept away by the floodwaters. Francesco was discovered closer to the car, among the local vegetation, suggesting he may have attempted to escape after the vehicle sank but before the rushing water overwhelmed the area.

President of Veneto, Luca Zaia, described the event as a “tragedy” during a press conference and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He urged local residents to avoid dangerous areas like embankments and bridges during extreme weather conditions. The community has been left reeling from the loss of the Nardons, with tributes pouring in for the father and son.

Francesco, a talented musician who played the trumpet in a local band, was remembered as a dedicated and generous individual by his fellow bandmates. Despite his commitments to university studies, he never missed a practice or performance, showcasing his passion for music. Meanwhile, Leone was a respected business owner in Valdagno, operating an industrial automation and robotics company. Francesco was following in his father’s footsteps by studying engineering at the University of Modena.

The tragic incident has highlighted the dangers posed by natural disasters and the importance of taking precautions during adverse weather conditions. As the community continues to grapple with this loss, it serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in the face of unpredictable circumstances.

Our thoughts are with the Nardon family and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. May Leone and Francesco rest in peace, their memories cherished by those who knew and loved them.