Italy was rocked by a tragic incident on Tuesday when an explosion near Verona killed three members of the carabinieri, Italy's military police, and injured at least 13 other individuals, including twelve law enforcement officers and one civilian woman. The blast occurred as carabinieri attempted to carry out an eviction order at a two-storey farmhouse in Castel d’Azzano, a town located 10 kilometers southwest of Verona.

Authorities quickly identified the explosion as an intentional act. Verona's carabinieri commander, Colonel Claudio Pagano, described it as "an absolutely crazy gesture" and an "intentional explosion of a gas tank." Investigative sources later confirmed that the farmhouse had been deliberately filled with gas, and the explosion was triggered when law enforcement officers opened the front door to enter the property. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi called the incident "a real tragedy," while provincial police commander Claudio Papagno (likely referring to the same individual as Colonel Claudio Pagano) stated, "Upon entering the house, we were confronted with an act of absolute madness... A gas cylinder had been ignited, and the explosion directly hit our officers." The intensity of the blast completely destroyed the building.

In connection with the deadly explosion, two brothers and their sister, all middle-aged and in their 60s, were detained and subsequently arrested. Identified as Dino Ramponi, 63, Franco Ramponi, 65, and Maria Luisa Ramponi, 59, the siblings were the targets of the eviction. Reports indicate that Dino and Maria Luisa sustained injuries from the blast. They were tracked down and apprehended in the countryside after reportedly walking away from the scene following the explosion.

The incident was not the first time authorities had attempted to evict the siblings, who had occupied the abandoned structure for approximately a year due to financial problems. Regional governor Luca Zaia revealed that a previous eviction attempt had been thwarted the previous year when the siblings threatened to blow up the house. Verona’s chief prosecutor, Raffaele Tito, added further context, explaining that he had authorized a search for Molotov cocktails after carabinieri photos showed bottles on the roof of the property. Tito also confirmed that at the end of September, the siblings had allegedly threatened the court-appointed custodian tasked with selling the property, with one of them explicitly stating a threat to blow himself up, which led to the authorization of the house search.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway, with the three suspects facing serious charges. Prosecutor Raffaele Tito stated that charges of "premeditated murder" are being considered, with authorities also weighing the charge of "mass killing." The Italian nation expressed widespread grief and condemnation. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto conveyed their condolences for the deaths of the carabinieri. President Sergio Mattarella also paid tribute, expressing "dismay and deep sorrow" and solidarity with the Carabinieri Corps, along with wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured officials. Premier Meloni underscored the daily sacrifice of those who serve the state and its citizens, stating, "I am following the developments of this dramatic event with sorrow, one which reminds us once again of the value and daily sacrifice of those who serve the state and its citizens."