A deadly fire in a crowded venue in Switzerland has reignited concerns about safety in Italy’s own public buildings, particularly schools. The tragedy highlighted how dangerous it can be when too many people are forced to rely on too few exits, a problem that also affects many Italian classrooms.
Under Italy’s fire safety regulations, classrooms are designed for a maximum of 26 people when there is only one exit. That effectively means 25 students plus one teacher, or fewer if additional staff are present.
Yet the reality often does not match the rules. According to data analyzed by education watchdog Tuttoscuola, more than 16,600 classes in the 2023–24 school year had more than 25 students. That represents about four percent of all classes nationwide and affects over 450,000 pupils.
The issue spans all levels of education, from kindergarten to high school, but it is most severe in upper secondary schools, where more than 9,000 classes exceed the legal limit. In these overcrowded rooms, evacuation in the event of a fire or earthquake could be significantly slower and more dangerous.
Beyond the logistical problems, the situation raises legal and administrative questions. If safety standards are not met, who is responsible—the school principal, local authorities, or the state?
As classrooms grow more crowded, the gap between what the law requires and what schools can actually provide continues to widen, turning what should be a technical issue into a matter of public safety.