A powerful explosion early Tuesday morning at a farmhouse in northern Italy tragically killed three police officers and injured at least 13 others. Italy’s defense ministry confirmed the devastating incident.
The blast occurred moments after officers from multiple agencies, accompanied by firefighters, entered the residence in Castel D’Azzano, located in Verona Province, to conduct a raid. According to the defense minister, Guido Crosetto, the two-story building completely collapsed, trapping several officers inside.
All three officers who lost their lives were members of the Carabinieri, Italy’s national police force.
Antonello Panuccio, the deputy mayor of Castel D’Azzano, revealed to a national broadcaster that three siblings residing at the farmhouse had repeatedly defied an eviction order. He explained that when police and firefighters entered around 3:15 a.m., the siblings deliberately triggered an explosion. Gas cylinders were reportedly found in the attic.
Italian news reports indicate that a brother and sister, both in their sixties, were subsequently arrested. Authorities are actively searching for the third sibling involved in the incident.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi further explained that the police, soldiers, and firefighters had to force their entry into the farmhouse. Upon entering, they detected the distinct smell of gas just before the house erupted. Two people living in the house were among the injured, Mr. Piantedosi told a national broadcaster.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.