RENDE, COSENZA PROVINCE, ITALY – JANUARY 31, 2022 Thirty-three-year-old teacher Francesco Chiarello poured gasoline over himself and set himself on fire in front of the Carabinieri barracks in the city of Rende. Workers from a nearby tire shop immediately ran to help and extinguished the flames using fire extinguishers. The man suffered burns to approximately 70% of his body and was taken in critical condition first to a hospital in Cosenza and then to a specialized burn unit in Naples.
According to witnesses, Chiarello arrived at the Carabinieri station by car, got out carrying a 20-liter gasoline can, poured the fuel over himself, and then set himself on fire. The entire incident unfolded within moments on a busy street. Although it took place directly in front of the police station, investigators ruled out that his act was intended as a protest against the Carabinieri. Police also stated that the man was not the subject of any investigation and had never filed a criminal complaint with them. The motive for his actions could not be determined.
Chiarello worked as a teacher in northern Italy and had returned to his native Calabria for a vacation shortly before the incident. Despite undergoing several surgeries, his condition remained extremely critical, and he died from his injuries on February 16, 2022. His family also rejected speculation that his actions were related to opposition to COVID-19 vaccination or pandemic restrictions, claims that had circulated on social media at the time.
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
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If you're thinking about self-harm, please stop and recognize that this won't solve the pain you're feeling. While it might seem like a way to cope, it leaves lasting scars, not just on your body but on your heart as well. There are healthier, safer ways to manage your emotions.
Every wound you inflict is a cry for help. You are not alone. Reaching out to someone you trust can be the first step toward finding a way out of this dark place. You deserve kindness, support, and real healing.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
