Table of Contents
- Tragedy Strikes During Early-Morning Eviction
- What Happened at the Farmhouse?
- Victims and Injured Officers
- Suspects Arrested After Blast
- Official Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
- Sources
Deadly Explosion at Italian Farmhouse Kills 3 Police Officers
A devastating explosion ripped through a rural farmhouse in northern Italy early Tuesday, killing three Carabinieri—Italy’s elite military police—and injuring at least 13 other officers during what was supposed to be a routine eviction enforcement.
The blast, which occurred around 3 a.m. in Castel d’Azzano, a small town in the Verona province, caused the two-story building to collapse entirely, trapping officers inside. Authorities described the scene as “a genuine tragedy” and launched an immediate investigation into the cause of the explosion.
What Happened at the Farmhouse?
According to local officials, police and firefighters had arrived to execute a court-ordered eviction against three siblings who had refused to vacate the property despite repeated warnings. The home had reportedly been deemed unsafe or subject to legal seizure, though exact details of the eviction order remain under review.
As officers entered the structure, a powerful explosion detonated—possibly triggered intentionally—leveling the building in seconds. Witnesses said the blast was heard up to three miles away.
“It’s an incredible tragedy, absurd behavior,” said Raffaele Tito, Verona’s chief prosecutor, speaking at the scene. “The Carabinieri and police tried to act with maximum safety and with all the necessary equipment. But the outcome was unexpected and very painful.”
Victims and Injured Officers
All three officers who died were members of the Carabinieri, Italy’s national gendarmerie. Their identities have not yet been released pending family notification.
Thirteen other officers and emergency responders sustained injuries, some critical. They were rushed to nearby hospitals in Verona, with at least two reported in serious condition.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Officers Killed | 3 |
| Officers Injured | 13+ |
| Civilians Arrested | 3 |
| Building Status | Completely collapsed |
Suspects Arrested After Blast
Italian authorities quickly apprehended all three occupants of the farmhouse—two siblings in their 60s found inside the rubble and a third arrested in a nearby field shortly after the explosion.
The brother and sister inside the home were also injured in the blast and are receiving medical treatment while in custody. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the explosion was caused by a booby trap, gas leak, or deliberate detonation—but prosecutors are treating it as a potential act of violence against law enforcement.
Official Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the incident “a national tragedy” and ordered flags flown at half-staff across military installations. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the siblings’ actions as “unthinkable” and vowed a full forensic and legal review.
Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region, echoed the sentiment: “This wasn’t just an accident—it was a deliberate defiance of the rule of law that cost lives.”
Forensic teams are sifting through debris to determine the exact ignition source. Investigators are also reviewing whether the suspects had prior warnings or had stockpiled explosives.
The incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about the risks faced by law enforcement during civil enforcement operations—and whether additional safeguards are needed for high-risk evictions.
Sources
The New York Times – Explosion at Italian Farmhouse Kills Three Military Police Officers
