Blast kills three police officers trying to evict siblings from house in Italy

A tragic incident unfolded in northern Italy when a deliberate gas explosion at a farmhouse near Verona resulted in the deaths of three Carabinieri military police officers and left at least 15 others injured. The explosion occurred as police and firefighters were executing an eviction order for two brothers and a sister, aged in their late 50s and mid-60s, who had barricaded themselves in the property. The blast, which could be heard up to 5 kilometers away, reduced the building to rubble and caused widespread devastation. A man and a woman were arrested at the scene, while another suspect who fled was quickly apprehended. All three were hospitalized. The farmhouse had been under an eviction order due to debts accrued by the owners. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the incident as a time for grieving, noting that previous attempts to evict the siblings had been met with resistance. Mediators had been sent to negotiate with the siblings, but when Carabinieri officers arrived shortly after 3:00 AM, one of the siblings allegedly triggered the explosion. Provincial police commander Claudio Papagno described the act as ‘absolute madness,’ revealing that a gas cylinder had been ignited, directly hitting the officers. Petrol bombs were also found at the property. Among the injured were 11 Carabinieri officers, three state police officers, and a firefighter. Verona prosecutor Raffaele Tito stated that the farmhouse was in a derelict state with no electricity and described the explosion as a ‘premeditated and voluntary homicide.’ Neighbors reported that the siblings had previously threatened to ‘blow themselves up’ rather than leave the house. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto joined other political leaders in paying tribute to the fallen officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty.