Blast Claims 3 Carabinieri During Property Removal Procedure in Northern Italy

A trio of officers were killed and no fewer than 15 people got wounded in what appears to be deliberate gas explosion at a farmhouse in northern Italy.

How It Happened

The detonation took place as officers and emergency crews approached the property close to the Verona region to carry out an eviction order for three siblings in their late 50s and mid-60s.

Each of the three victims who died were members of the Carabinieri force.

Legal Proceedings

One male and one female got detained at the location and a third person who ran away following the blast was apprehended shortly later. All three have been admitted to the hospital.

The blast could be audible as far as 3 miles distant and images from the area showed the building turned into a pile of rubble.

“This is a time for grieving,” said Interior Minister Minister Piantedosi, who added that attempts had been made to evict the three siblings in the past.

Property Situation

The head of the Veneto region, President Zaia, stated the farmhouse was facing an removal notice due to debts accumulated by the three owners.

Mediators had been dispatched to speak to the family members who had locked themselves into the property. When the officers came just after 03:00 (01:00 GMT), authorities believe one of the residents caused the explosion.

“Upon entering the house, we were confronted with an act of absolute madness,” local police chief Claudio Papagno informed news outlets.

A gas canister had been ignited, and the blast immediately struck our members,” he added.

Petrol bombs were also found at the property, the minister said.

Casualties and Damage

Injured individuals by the incident consisted of eleven more officers of the police force as well as a trio of personnel of Italy's state police and a emergency responder.

According to the prosecuting attorney, the building was in a poor condition and had lacked electrical service.

He was convinced the explosion had taken place on a level above the access point and stated to reporters it was a “deliberate and pre-planned murder”. Just prior to the explosion, he said members had “noticed a hissing sound, presumably the propane tanks being activated”.

Community Reaction

“We all knew the situation was dire,” nearby inhabitants informed reporters, adding that the three had earlier warned to “detonate the property” rather than be evicted.

“The incident exacted a ‘dreadful, extremely sad and dramatic price’.”

Defence Minister Minister Crosetto joined other political leaders in commemorating the three men who had lost their lives in the service of their country.