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Three police officers were killed and at least 15 people got wounded in an apparently intentional gas explosion at a rural property in northern Italy.

Sequence of Events

The explosion occurred as police and firefighters went into the residence in the vicinity of the Verona region to execute an removal notice for a brother and sister trio who were older adults.

All three victims who died were members of the Carabinieri military police.

Investigation Developments

Two individuals got detained at the location and one more individual who ran away following the explosion was apprehended soon after. All three have been taken to medical facility.

The detonation could be heard as far as 3 miles distant and footage from the location showed the building turned into a pile of rubble.

“This is a time for grieving,” stated Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who noted that efforts had been made to evict the three siblings in the past.

Background and Motive

The president of the Veneto area, the regional head, said the farmhouse was under an removal notice due to debts incurred by the three owners.

Mediators had been dispatched to talk with the brothers and sister who had secured themselves into the property. When the Carabinieri came soon after 03:00 (01:00 GMT), authorities believe one of the siblings set off the explosion.

“When we entered the property, we faced an utterly insane act,” local police chief the police commander informed reporters.

A gas canister had been activated, and the explosion precisely impacted our officers,” he explained.

Petrol bombs were also located at the residence, the minister said.

Casualties and Damage

Injured individuals by the incident consisted of 11 other members of the police force as well as a trio of personnel of the state police and a firefighter.

Based on information from the local prosecutor, the building was in a poor condition and had was without power.

The prosecutor believed the explosion had taken place on a floor above the entrance and stated to reporters it was a “intentional and planned killing”. Just prior to the explosion, he revealed personnel had “noticed a hissing sound, presumably the gas cylinders being turned on”.

Local Response

“Everyone was aware the circumstances were severe,” neighbors told reporters, noting that the family members had in the past stated to “cause an explosion” rather than vacate the property.

“The incident exacted a ‘dreadful, extremely sad and dramatic price’.”

Minister of Defence the Defence Minister joined other government officials in paying tribute to the three men who had lost their lives in the line of duty.