Overview
- Flames erupted around 6 a.m. in the Chiaia district, collapsing the theatre’s dome and gutting the 1847 landmark.
- Firefighters brought the blaze under control by early afternoon, sealing off the area and temporarily cutting power during operations.
- Roughly 60 residents were evacuated from surrounding buildings, with eight treated for smoke inhalation and four hospitalized.
- Earlier accounts cited a possible electrical short circuit, but investigators have not determined a cause.
- Local and national officials expressed dismay and pledged efforts to plan for restoration of the site.