An unsettling incident occurred early Friday morning in Pomezia, a town just south of Rome, where two cars belonging to the family of prominent Italian investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci were destroyed by an explosion.
Through a social media post, Mr. Ranucci revealed that an explosive device had been deliberately placed beneath the vehicles, indicating a targeted attack.
Shortly after the blast, Ranucci shared a video online, which captured the devastating aftermath: the charred wreckage of the two cars parked outside a black metal gate. Emergency lights flashed in the background, with uniformed emergency personnel already on the scene.
Sigfrido Ranucci is a highly respected figure in Italian journalism, best known for hosting “Report,” an acclaimed investigative program on the public broadcasting channel Rai 3. His courageous reporting on organized crime had previously put his life at risk; in 2021, Italian police initiated protective measures for him following the discovery of an assassination plot by the ‘Ndrangheta, a powerful Italian organized crime syndicate.
Ranucci also confirmed via social media that Italy’s military police, the Carabinieri, along with the fire brigade, were actively investigating the scene.
While it was immediately unclear if anyone sustained injuries from the explosion, Mr. Ranucci informed the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that he and his daughter were at home when the powerful blast occurred.
This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.