Four migrant workers died and two people have been arrested after a minivan caught fire in the southern Italian region of Puglia during the early hours of Monday. The victims, all agricultural labourers from sub-Saharan Africa, were trapped inside the vehicle near the town of Foggia. Police said the driver and another individual were detained on suspicion of manslaughter and culpable arson.
The minivan, which was reportedly carrying seven people, burst into flames at a roadside. Three workers managed to escape with burns. The incident has reignited debate over the exploitation of migrant workers in Italy’s agricultural sector, where many are employed informally with little legal protection.
The UK government has called for stronger enforcement of labour rights across Europe. A Foreign Office spokesperson described the deaths as a ‘tragic reminder’ of the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers. The European Commission said it was monitoring the case and urged member states to ensure safe working conditions.
Italy’s interior minister said the arrests showed the state’s commitment to justice but acknowledged that deeper reforms were needed. The fire is thought to have started accidentally, though investigators are examining whether the vehicle’s condition or overcrowding contributed to the fatalities.
