Explosion in Italian Farmhouse Leaves Three Officers Dead
A deadly explosion at a farmhouse in northern Italy has claimed the lives of three law enforcement officers and left at least 15 more people injured. The tragic event appeared to be a calculated act, involving gas, and had been set off during an eviction operation.
Tragic Eviction Attempt
The explosion transpired when police and firefighters were attempting to evict two brothers and a sister from their farmhouse. The siblings, believed to be in their late fifties and mid-sixties, had barricaded themselves inside their home. The officers killed in the explosion were members of the Carabinieri military police.
Two individuals, a man and a woman, were arrested on the scene, while another man who attempted to flee following the explosion was apprehended shortly after. All three individuals were hospitalized for their injuries.
Aftermath of the Blast
The impact of the explosion was so severe that it could be heard up to 3 miles away. The once standing farmhouse was reduced to a heap of debris. The siblings were given the eviction order due to the massive debts they had accumulated, which led to the repossession of their home.
The tragic event has been described as a time for mourning by the Interior Minister, who revealed that previous attempts to evict the siblings had been made. He further noted that it was evident that the siblings would resist eviction somehow.
Details of the Incident
Negotiators had been sent to talk to the siblings prior to the arrival of the Carabinieri. It is believed that one of the siblings ignited the explosion shortly after the officers entered the premises.
The provincial police commander, recalling the event, described it as an act of utter insanity. He recounted how a gas cylinder had been ignited, and the subsequent explosion had directly hit the officers. The minister further mentioned the discovery of petrol bombs at the property, indicating the severity of the situation.
The explosion resulted in injuries to 11 other Carabinieri officers, three state police members, and a firefighter.
Investigation Findings
The farmhouse was reportedly in a dilapidated condition and did not have electricity. The prosecutor handling the case believes the explosion occurred on a floor above the entrance and described the incident as a deliberate and premeditated act of homicide. Officers at the scene reported hearing a whistle shortly before the explosion, which they think was the sound of gas cylinders being opened.
Neighbors have shared that they knew the situation was critical, and that the siblings had previously threatened to "blow themselves up" rather than leave their home.
Response and Condolences
The Interior Minister described the impact of the explosion as a "terrible, very painful and dramatic toll". The Defense Minister joined other leaders in paying tribute to the three officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.