Three Italian police officers were killed on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in an explosion at a farmhouse near Verona, Italy. The blast occurred when siblings barricaded inside the building detonated gas canisters as authorities attempted to execute an eviction order. The explosion in Castel d’Azzano, about six miles southwest of Verona, demolished the two-story farmhouse and was audible up to three miles away.
The victims, part of the Carabinieri, Italy’s military police, were identified as Lieutenant Special Charge Marco Piffari, Carabiniere Select Davide Bernardello, and Brigadier Chief Special Qualification Valerio Dapra. Additionally, 15 law enforcement personnel sustained injuries, including 11 more Carabinieri officers, three state police members, and one firefighter.
Authorities arrested three siblings at the scene—Dino, Franco, and Maria Luisa Rampini, aged in their late 50s to mid-60s—who are now under investigation for premeditated murder. The Rampini family had contested foreclosure proceedings on their family farm for a prolonged period, asserting that the legal actions against them were unfair.
The eviction operation started just after 3:00 a.m. local time, with authorities anticipating resistance. Regional governor Luca Zaia stated that the farmhouse had been intentionally filled with gas, and the explosion was triggered when officers opened the door. Verona’s Carabinieri commander, Colonel Claudio Pagano, characterized the event as “an absolutely crazy gesture” and confirmed that officers were targeted by a deliberate gas tank explosion while executing a judicial order.
Chief prosecutor Raffaele Tito informed reporters that the eviction had been thoroughly planned but acknowledged that the violent outcome was unforeseen. According to the prosecutor, officers heard a whistle just before the explosion, likely from gas cylinders being opened. The explosion occurred on a floor above the entrance, and investigators also found petrol bombs on the premises.
This was the second attempt by authorities to evict the siblings from the property. A prior eviction effort in 2024 was halted after the Rampinis threatened to detonate the house. Deputy mayor Antonello Panuccio noted that officials were aware the attic was filled with gas and the operation was planned with ambulances ready due to anticipated injuries, though the magnitude of the explosion was unexpected.
The farmhouse, according to prosecutor Tito, was in a deteriorated state and lacked electricity. The siblings had taken over the abandoned structure about a year ago after they lost their agricultural business and land due to foreclosure proceedings. In a video from the 2024 eviction attempt, Maria Luisa Rampini told Corriere della Sera that authorities had seized their agricultural business and land and were now trying to take the house.
In the same video, she stated, “Today, they wanted to carry out the eviction. We are opposing it in every way. We have filled the house with gas to be able to fight.” Neighbors informed Italian media they were aware of the dire situation and that the siblings had previously threatened to blow themselves up rather than leave the property.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that mediators had been sent to negotiate with the siblings, who had barricaded themselves inside the house. He emphasized that it was evident authorities were dealing with individuals who would resist, given the history of failed eviction attempts. Piantedosi described the explosion as leaving a severe and tragic impact.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto paid tribute to the fallen officers, expressing his sincere condolences to their families and loved ones on behalf of every member of the defense forces. He stated that the three men had sacrificed their lives carrying out their duty to the very end in the service of their country. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths and extended condolences on behalf of the government.
The Carabinieri serve as Italy’s national militarized police force and play a central role in law enforcement throughout the country. The incident in Castel d’Azzano represents one of the deadliest attacks on Italian law enforcement in recent years, occurring during what should have been a routine execution of a judicial order related to debt-related eviction proceedings.
