By FireRescue1 Staff
QUARGNENTO, Italy — Three Italian firefighters were killed early Tuesday in a building explosion.
Crews were responding to a report of an explosion in an unoccupied farm building, according to the Associated Press. When firefighters arrived, a second and stronger blast occurred — injuring three other first responders.
According to prosecutor Enrico Cierci, a timer and gas canister was found in the rubble, leading them to believe the “explosion was deliberate.”
Alessandria police superintendent Michele Morelli said no motive was immediately clear, but there was no indication of terrorist involvement, according to the report.
Officials said the timer was remote-controlled and the owner of the farm building was questioned. The building had been renovated and up for sale for two years.
Luciana Lamorgese, Italy’s interior minister, visited the site but declined to comment on the investigation.