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A trio of officers were killed and no fewer than 15 people were hurt in what appears to be intentional gas explosion at a farmhouse in Italy's north.

How It Happened

The blast occurred as law enforcement and fire personnel entered the property near the city of Verona to execute an removal notice for two brothers and a sister in their late 50s and mid-60s.

All three deceased individuals served in the Italian military police.

Investigation Developments

A man and a woman got detained at the scene and one more individual who fled subsequent to the explosion was located shortly later. Each of them have been admitted to hospital.

The detonation could be heard as far as 3 miles distant and images from the location displayed the property turned into a heap of debris.

“We are in a period of mourning,” said Interior Minister Minister Piantedosi, who noted that efforts had been made to evict the brother and sister trio in the past.

Background and Motive

The leader of the Veneto area, the regional head, explained the farmhouse was facing an court order due to unpaid amounts accrued by the siblings.

Conflict resolution experts had been assigned to talk with the family members who had secured themselves into the home. When the Carabinieri reached the location shortly after 03:00 (01:00 GMT), investigators think a family member caused the explosion.

“Upon entering the house, we were confronted with an act of absolute madness,” provincial police commander Claudio Papagno informed reporters.

A gas canister had been activated, and the detonation directly hit our personnel,” he added.

Petrol bombs were also located at the property, the Interior Minister stated.

Injuries and Destruction

The wounded by the incident consisted of 11 other members of the Carabinieri as well as three members of the state police and a emergency responder.

According to the local prosecutor, the property was in a poor condition and had lacked electrical service.

The official was convinced the explosion had happened on a floor above the access point and told the press it was a “intentional and planned killing”. Shortly before the incident, he revealed officers had “heard a whistle, presumably the gas canisters being activated”.

Neighbor Statements

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

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

The Defense Minister Minister Crosetto joined other government officials in paying tribute to the trio of personnel who had been killed in the performance of their duties.