Four farm workers were killed in a horrific vehicle fire in southern Italy after attackers allegedly trapped them inside a minivan before setting it ablaze, according to investigators.
The incident took place at a petrol station in Cosenza, where emergency crews were initially called to what was believed to be a vehicle fire.
However, after extinguishing the flames, firefighters made the grim discovery of four bodies inside the burned-out minivan, prompting authorities to launch a murder investigation.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage that allegedly showed two men standing beside the vehicle and preventing its occupants from escaping by holding the doors shut.
Authorities believe a third suspect poured a flammable liquid into the vehicle through the rear hatch before the suspects fled the scene. Moments later, the van became engulfed in flames.
The victims were identified as three Afghan nationals and one Pakistani farm worker. A fifth occupant, also from Afghanistan, survived the attack.
Police have since arrested two Pakistani men in the nearby town of Villapiana following an extensive investigation involving CCTV footage and witness statements. At least one additional suspect remains at large.
Detectives quickly suspected foul play after examining the scene. Investigators noted that although the minivan suffered severe fire damage, it was not completely destroyed, raising questions about why the occupants had been unable to escape.
Further examination also revealed that the fire had consumed the entire vehicle rather than originating from the petrol station’s fuel pumps, strengthening suspicions that the blaze had been deliberately started.
The shocking incident has sparked outrage across Italy, with community leaders and politicians calling for witnesses to come forward and assist authorities.
In a public statement, members of the Calabrian Democratic Party urged anyone with information to cooperate with investigators, highlighting concerns about the vulnerability and exploitation often faced by migrant workers.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack. While tensions between rival criminal groups have been reported in the area, investigators have reportedly ruled out involvement by the notorious ‘Ndrangheta mafia, believing the circumstances of the killings do not match the organisation’s typical methods.
The case remains under active investigation as police work to identify and apprehend any remaining suspects.
