Roof Collapses at Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Sommelier Dies: Mara Severin Was 31

Tragedy in the evening in Terracina , in the province of Latina , where the sommelier of the starred restaurant “ Essenza ” died following the collapse of the ceiling. Her name was Mara Severin , she was 31 years old, she was leading the service in the dining room with another colleague. About ten people were injured, three are in serious condition. In addition to the rescue, the carabinieri, police, 118 ambulances and firefighters intervened on site.

The restaurant “Essenza” is located in via Cavour, in the center of the seaside and tourist resort. At the time of the tragedy the internal room was quite full. There were also customers sitting outside. The chef of the restaurant is Simone Nardoni , born in 1987, patron of the project. He had opened first in Pontinia, in 2020 the Michelin star to the restaurant in the Agropontino. Around 800 wine labels from all over the world, over 100 Champagnes in the selection.

The collapse occurred around 10:30 pm on Monday evening, the entire area was closed to traffic. Severin was extracted from the rubble by firefighters and resuscitated by paramedics. She was rushed to the hospital in Terracina. She did not make it, her injuries were too serious. The three injured in serious condition are in a reserved prognosis.

"Sensitive and polite, professional and inspired - we read in the memory of Gambero Rosso - she had built a large, original cellar, over 900 labels in which she had placed alongside French bubbles - her passion - wines from all over the world. In her selection she went from the most famous names, monuments of oenology, to lesser-known labels, true gems for enthusiasts and the curious who knew they could rely on her without fear of being disappointed, strong as she was in a preparation that was never an end in itself, but always oriented towards the satisfaction of the guests, who she knew how to accompany in the dinner journey, with enthusiasm, discretion, intelligence. With her passing, a capable and kind person and professional is gone".

Some witnesses reported hearing two separate collapses . The cause of the tragedy is still unknown. Bad weather is not excluded among the hypotheses, the yellow alert triggered yesterday in the province of Latina that had not brought rain but strong wind. Also on site was the mayor Francesco Giannetti. The Latina prosecutor's office ordered the seizure of the premises and opened an investigation, the investigations coordinated by the PM Giuseppe Miliano.

FROM

Web Editorial Team