17.02.2026 07:20
In the Puglia region of Italy, a man accidentally threw away 20 gold bars worth approximately 140 thousand dollars; police and municipal teams found the gold in a search of the landfill and returned it to its owner.
A 57-year-old man living in the Puglia region of southern Italy accidentally threw away 20 gold bars he had accumulated over the years. The total value of the gold was estimated to be around 120,000 euros (140,000 dollars).
HE WAS KEEPING IT IN A TIN CAN
The man was keeping his gold in a tin can at his home in Torre Lapillo. While preparing to take out the trash, he unknowingly put the can containing the valuable metals into the garbage bag and handed it over to the municipal waste collection workers. The next day, realizing his mistake, the man went to the local Carabinieri (Italian gendarmerie police) station to report the situation.
RETURNED TO ITS OWNER
The police confirmed the accuracy of the incident by reviewing security camera footage and tracked the route of the garbage truck. After hours of searching in the local landfill where the garbage was taken, the tin can was found. Although the outside of the can was damaged by the trash, the 20 gold bars inside were intact. The valuable metals were returned to their owner.
"SURPRISING BUT LUCKY ESCAPE"
According to reports in the local press, the incident was described by both neighbors and social media users as a "surprising but lucky escape." Authorities emphasized that timely reporting and coordination play a crucial role in finding lost items in similar situations.