Three police officers have died and at least 15 others have been injured following a deliberate gas explosion at a farmhouse in northern Italy. The event unfolded as police attempted to carry out an eviction order on two brothers and a sister in their late 50s and mid-60s near Verona.
The deceased officers were part of the Carabinieri military police. In the immediate aftermath, a man and a woman were apprehended, and another suspect who fled the scene was soon located and hospitalized.
The explosion was powerful enough to be heard from 5 kilometers (3 miles) away, leaving the building in ruins. Veneto region officials confirmed the property was subject to eviction due to debts owed by the three siblings.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi expressed his sorrow, stating, This is a time for grieving, and highlighted that previous attempts to evict the siblings had been met with resistance.
During the early morning operation, the officers encountered significant danger upon entering the home, with police reports describing the scene as an act of absolute madness. Investigators later revealed that a gas cylinder had been ignited, causing the fatal explosion. Additionally, petrol bombs were discovered at the site.
The explosion injured 11 members of the Carabinieri force as well as three state police officers and a firefighter. The Verona prosecutor described the incident as premeditated and voluntary homicide, indicating that the siblings had previously made threats regarding the use of explosives to avoid eviction.
The community is mourning the loss of brave officers who dedicated their lives to service, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, emphasizing the tragedy of this event.
The deceased officers were part of the Carabinieri military police. In the immediate aftermath, a man and a woman were apprehended, and another suspect who fled the scene was soon located and hospitalized.
The explosion was powerful enough to be heard from 5 kilometers (3 miles) away, leaving the building in ruins. Veneto region officials confirmed the property was subject to eviction due to debts owed by the three siblings.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi expressed his sorrow, stating, This is a time for grieving, and highlighted that previous attempts to evict the siblings had been met with resistance.
During the early morning operation, the officers encountered significant danger upon entering the home, with police reports describing the scene as an act of absolute madness. Investigators later revealed that a gas cylinder had been ignited, causing the fatal explosion. Additionally, petrol bombs were discovered at the site.
The explosion injured 11 members of the Carabinieri force as well as three state police officers and a firefighter. The Verona prosecutor described the incident as premeditated and voluntary homicide, indicating that the siblings had previously made threats regarding the use of explosives to avoid eviction.
The community is mourning the loss of brave officers who dedicated their lives to service, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, emphasizing the tragedy of this event.
