Three police officers have been killed and at least 15 others injured in an apparently deliberate gas explosion at a farmhouse in northern Italy.
The blast was triggered as police and firefighters entered the house near Verona to enforce an eviction order for two brothers and a sister in their late 50s and mid-60s.
The three victims were members of the Carabinieri military police.
A man and a woman were arrested at the scene, and another man who fled after the explosion was located shortly after. All three individuals were transported to the hospital.
The blast could be heard from approximately 5km (3 miles) away, with images from the scene showing the building reduced to rubble.
The head of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia, confirmed that the farmhouse was subject to eviction due to debts accumulated by the owners. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi expressed his condolences, stating, This is a time for grieving, and emphasized that prior attempts had been made to evict the siblings, indicating a history of resistance.
Mediators had been sent to communicate with the siblings, who had barricaded themselves inside. When the Carabinieri arrived around 03:00 (01:00 GMT), it is believed one of the occupants triggered the explosion.
Provincial police commander Claudio Papagno described the situation as an act of absolute madness, revealing that a gas cylinder had been ignited, impacting the officers directly. Petrol bombs were also discovered at the property.
Among those injured were 11 other Carabinieri members, three state police officers, and a firefighter, as reported by Ansa.
The Verona prosecutor, Raffaele Tito, noted that the farmhouse was in a derelict condition and lacked electricity. He characterized the incident as a premeditated and voluntary homicide, revealing that officers heard a whistle, likely indicating the opening of the gas cylinders, before the explosion occurred.
Neighbors reported that the siblings had previously threatened to blow themselves up rather than vacate the premises. Minister Piantedosi stated the explosion resulted in a terrible, very painful, and dramatic toll, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and other political figures paying tribute to the brave officers who perished in the line of duty.
