Fatal Explosion Rocks Naples as EU-Funded Hybrid Car Prototype Goes up in Flames During Testing

John Lopez, Tech Times 29 June 2023, 10:06 am

A tragic incident in Naples, Italy, claimed two individuals' lives as a hybrid car prototype, developed and funded by the European Union, exploded during testing.

The project, known as Life-Save, aimed to transform conventional combustion engine cars into hybrids that utilize solar energy.

Reuters reports that the explosion occurred last week, resulting in the deaths of Maria Vittoria Prati, a distinguished researcher at Italy's National Council of Research (CNR), and research apprentice Fulvio Filace.

As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, authorities are still unable to pinpoint a specific suspect.

EU-Funded Car Prototype Explodes

The ill-fated vehicle was part of the Life-Save project, which received financial support from the European Commission's LIFE Programme.

The initiative sought to retrofit regular production cars with solar-hybrid powertrains, allowing them to harness the sun's energy.

Developed by eProInn, a spin-off of the University of Salerno, the concept involved equipping cars with additional electric motors that could be charged by a battery and solar panels installed on the roof and bonnet.

The experimental car, combining diesel and solar energy, caught fire and exploded, leading to devastating consequences.

2 People Killed

Maria Vittoria Prati, a respected engineer with three decades of experience at CNR, suffered third-degree burns covering 90 percent of her body.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals at the Cardarelli Hospital, Prati tragically succumbed to her injuries.

Her colleague, Fulvio Filace, a 25-year-old research apprentice, was also onboard the vehicle during the incident and was hospitalized for treatment. However, Filace's condition deteriorated, and he passed away after undergoing surgery.

Investigations Underway

Authorities are currently investigating the explosion and have initiated an inquiry targeting unknown individuals.

The Naples prosecutor's office has questioned a CNR executive in connection with the incident, and a twin car to the destroyed prototype, a Volkswagen Polo Tdi, has been seized for further analysis.

The investigation aims to shed light on the content of the cylinders that caused the powerful explosion, and a report from the fire brigade is expected to provide crucial details.

ANSA reports that the University of Salerno initially speculated to be the owner of the destroyed car, has denied any ownership of the vehicle.

While the cause of the explosion remains unknown, the CNR expressed deep shock and sorrow over the deaths and has started an internal audit to identify potential factors contributing to the tragic incident.

The organization is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigations, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth behind the explosion.

The Life-Save project, now offline following the accident, aimed to drive advancements in alternative fuel usage and reduce emissions into the environment.

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