Tragedy during eviction near Verona
A fatal blast rocked a farmhouse near Verona, northern Italy, killing three Carabinieri and injuring at least 15 others as police and firefighters sought to carry out an eviction order. The incident, described by officials as deliberate, occurred as authorities moved to remove two brothers and a sister in their late 50s and mid-60s from the property.
What happened and who was affected
Initial reports indicate that the blast was triggered when officers entered the derelict farmhouse. A gas cylinder was ignited, and the explosion struck the Carabinieri who were among the first responders. A woman and a man were arrested at the scene, with a third man who fled the area located soon after; all three were hospitalized. In addition to the three officers who died, 11 other Carabinieri, three state police officers, and a firefighter were injured in the explosion.
Context and response
The farmhouse reportedly lacked electricity and was in a derelict condition. Local authorities said the eviction order stemmed from debts accrued by the three siblings who occupied the property. Mediation had previously failed to resolve the dispute, and the siblings had barricaded themselves inside the house. The incident prompted swift condemnation from national leaders and a period of mourning for the fallen officers.
Authorities’ assessment
Verona prosecutor Raffaele Tito described the event as a “premeditated and voluntary homicide.” He noted that a whistle-like sound, possibly the gas cylinders being opened, preceded the blast. Police described the scene as catastrophic, with the building reduced to rubble and echoes of the explosion heard several kilometres away.
Tributes and implications
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and other political figures joined in paying tribute to the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The strike raises questions about the risks involved in eviction operations and the steps taken to de-escalate tense situations involving occupants who threaten self-harm. The tragic toll underscores the dangerous intersection of housing disputes and law enforcement in volatile cases.
What comes next
Investigators will continue to examine the sequence of events leading up to the explosion, including the exact role of the gas cylinder and any other incendiary devices found at the scene. The victims’ families and colleagues will seek justice and accountability as the legal process unfolds. In the immediate aftermath, authorities are likely to reassess safety protocols and consider how to prevent similar tragedies during enforcement actions.
