It was a sunny day in Udine, Italy, when tragedy struck three friends during a leisurely walk along the Natisone River. Patrizia Cormos, 20, her friend Bianca Doros, 23, and her boyfriend Cristian Molnar, 25, found themselves stranded on a small pebble island as the water levels suddenly surged. Little did they know that this would be their final moments together.
Firefighters and passersby rushed to their aid, desperately trying to save the group by tossing them a rope. But fate had a different plan.
The powerful floodwaters swept them away, leaving firefighters helplessly watching as the three friends disappeared before their eyes.
The chief of the provincial firefighters in Udine, Giorgio Basile, recalled the heart-wrenching moment, stating, “We threw them a rope, but they were literally swallowed up by the flood waters in front of our eyes.”
The entire community was devastated by the loss of these young lives. Two bodies, believed to be Patrizia Cormos and Bianca Doros, were found approximately 1 kilometer from the spot where they last stood.
The search for Cristian Molnar continues as authorities intensify their efforts, utilizing drones, boats, and divers to scour the river in hopes of finding him.
Bianca Doros, originally from Romania, had traveled to Italy to visit her parents. Patrizia Cormos, a student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Udine, had joined her friends to celebrate completing a significant exam.
According to Cormos’ heartbroken mother, the trio had parked their car near the river to explore a small beach and capture some photographs. Little did they know of the danger that awaited them.
Michele De Sabata, the mayor of the nearby town of Premariacco, emphasized the unpredictable nature of the situation, stating, “Those who live in Premariacco know the river and how conditions can change quickly. The three kids arrived when it was sunny.
They could not have known what was about to happen. It only took minutes.” In recent times, northern Italy has been struck by severe storms that have triggered destructive flash floods.
The cities of Padua and Vicenza have been particularly hard-hit, with the extreme weather conditions described by Veneto’s governor as a “water bomb.”
This heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of being aware of the unpredictable forces of nature.
Let us cherish our loved ones and share this story with others to spread awareness of the dangers posed by flash floods. Together, we can promote safety and prevent further tragedies.
