Three police officers have been killed and at least 12 others injured following a powerful explosion in a residential building during an attempted eviction in Castel d’Azzano, near Verona, northern Italy, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to Italy’s national fire service, the blast occurred overnight when officers entered a house filled with gas. Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was triggered as the front door was opened.
The ANSA news agency reported that the property belonged to three siblings—a brother and sister in their 60s, and another family member—who were facing eviction. The two older siblings have been arrested, while the third fled the scene and is currently being sought by authorities.
Sources told ANSA that the family had previously issued threats to blow themselves up if law enforcement attempted to remove them from the property.
Prime Minister Meloni Leads Tributes
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased officers, describing their deaths as a tragic loss in the line of duty.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of three brave police officers who lost their lives while serving the nation. My thoughts are with their families and colleagues as we follow developments in this terrible event,”
— Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Casualties and Rescue Operations
In addition to the three officers killed, twelve others—including law enforcement personnel and a civilian woman—were injured, according to the fire department’s statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Firefighters and emergency responders worked through the night to rescue victims and contain the aftermath of the explosion, which left the house in ruins. The bodies of the fallen officers were later recovered from the debris.
Authorities have opened a full investigation into the cause of the explosion and the events leading up to the deadly incident.
Background
The tragedy highlights ongoing tensions in eviction cases across Italy, where local authorities have reported a rise in resistance from occupants facing displacement. The government has pledged enhanced safety protocols for officers engaged in high-risk enforcement operations.
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