A police eviction turned into tragedy in northern Italy when a farmhouse exploded in a fireball — resulting in the deaths of three Carabinieri officers and injuring at least 15 others.
The two-storey building in Castel d’Azzano, near Verona, was completely destroyed after one of the residents allegedly filled the house with gas, triggering a catastrophic blast the moment police gained entry.
Three officers died after a police eviction in Italy resulted in a farmhouse explosion
The building was destroyed after an occupant allegedly filled it with gas
Officers had arrived to evict three siblings — two men and a woman, all in their 60s — after repeated refusals to leave and threats to “blow themselves up.”
Special Carabinieri units and counter-terrorism police were called in for the high-risk operation, with some attempting to enter from the roof while others prepared to break down the door.
As they approached the entrance, officers detected a strong smell of gas emanating from inside.
Seconds later, an explosion erupted from the farmhouse, demolishing the entire structure and engulfing police, firefighters, and soldiers in flames and debris.
Verona’s chief prosecutor Raffaele Tito confirmed that the operation was also related to a search warrant for potential Molotov cocktails inside the property.
He stated: “This is a shocking tragedy, absurd behavior. I am deeply saddened.
“Carabinieri and police attempted to operate with maximum safety and all necessary equipment.
“However, the outcome was unforeseen and extremely painful.”
The explosion resulted in the deaths of three Carabinieri officers and left 15 soldiers and police officers injured.
Among the occupants of the home, the woman suffered severe injuries and was transported to the hospital with burns.
Two brothers were arrested, one of whom was also hospitalized, while a third family member fled into nearby fields and is still being pursued by authorities.
Investigators believe the gas buildup ignited as the front door was opened, instantly unleashing a blast that flattened the building.
Firefighters, already present at the scene, initiated immediate rescue operations.
“One of the bodies was recovered from the rubble only half an hour ago,” rescuers reported, as flames continued to rage.
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