Crystal Dike
Three police officers have been killed and at least 15 others injured in a deliberate gas explosion at a farmhouse near Verona, northern Italy, in the early hours of Tuesday, October 14.
The blast occurred as police and firefighters moved in to execute an eviction order against three siblings — two brothers and a sister, aged between their late 50s and mid-60s — who had barricaded themselves inside the property.
Authorities said the explosion was triggered when members of the Carabinieri military police entered the house around 03:00 local time (01:00 GMT). The farmhouse was instantly reduced to rubble, with the sound of the blast heard up to 5km (3 miles) away.
According to investigators, one of the siblings is believed to have deliberately ignited a gas cylinder, setting off the explosion. Petrol bombs were also discovered at the site.
Two of the siblings, a man and a woman, were arrested at the scene, while a third man who fled was later apprehended. All three were taken to hospital for treatment.
Those injured included 11 other Carabinieri officers, three members of the state police, and one firefighter.
Verona prosecutor Raffaele Tito described the incident as a “premeditated and voluntary homicide,” noting that the farmhouse had no electricity and was in a derelict state. He said officers had heard “a whistle, probably the gas cylinders being opened,” moments before the blast.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said authorities had made previous attempts to evict the siblings, who were facing financial debts that led to the seizure of the property. “It was clear we were dealing with people who would resist in some way,” he said.
“This is a time for grieving,” Piantedosi added, while Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and regional governor Luca Zaia paid tribute to the slain officers for their service.
Neighbours told Italian media the siblings had repeatedly threatened to “blow themselves up” rather than vacate the property.
Officials described the explosion as one of the deadliest acts of resistance to eviction orders in recent Italian history.