The death of Carmelo Picariello has returned the former Isochimica plant in Avellino to public attention. The 69-year-old former worker was reported as the sixth Isochimica-related death in 2026 and the 42nd death overall in the tally reported by ANSA.
Isochimica operated in Avellino's Borgo Ferrovia area and was involved in asbestos removal from railway carriages during the 1980s. Picariello worked at the plant from 1983 to 1988 and suffered from asbestosis.
Following his death, Rifondazione Comunista described Isochimica as a plant where asbestos was removed from railway carriages and called Picariello the 42nd victim. The party used the expression "omicidio di Stato," or "state murder," to characterize the case. That expression is a political characterization rather than a judicial finding established by the available reporting.
Autopsy ordered in Picariello case
The Avellino Prosecutor's Office ordered an autopsy to investigate whether asbestos fibres contributed to Picariello's illness and death. His body was seized and funeral arrangements were suspended to allow the examination to take place.
The definitive medical and legal determination of whether asbestos exposure caused his death was still pending when the autopsy was ordered. The sources do not independently establish the full list or medical diagnoses of all 42 deceased former workers.
What Rifondazione is asking for
In its statement, Rifondazione Comunista demanded public compensation, long-term health surveillance and further investigation of contamination around the former plant.
The demand covers three points: compensation for victims and families, continued health monitoring, and environmental checks in the area surrounding the former industrial site. The extent of current soil, groundwater and surrounding-area contamination is not established by the acquired documents.
Appeal in Naples still open
An appeal process was ongoing in Naples, with more than 200 civil parties represented. ANSA also reported four ten-year convictions at first instance.
The final outcome of the appeal process and any settlement negotiations with Ferrovie dello Stato remains unresolved.
For readers following the case, those are the two procedural tracks to watch: the autopsy findings in the Picariello case in Avellino, and the outcome of the Naples appeal.
