What Happened in Palermo? Three Fatalities in Shooting Incident

Rome, April 27 (NationPress) In a tragic incident in Palermo, the capital of Italy's Sicily, reports indicate that at least three individuals lost their lives and two others suffered injuries from a shooting.

According to reports on Sunday, the violence erupted from a dispute between two groups of young individuals in a pizzeria located near the bustling Duomo di Monreale square. What started as a verbal disagreement quickly escalated into a violent confrontation involving gunfire.

Andrea Miceli, aged 26, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday while receiving treatment at Palermo's Civico Hospital, where he had been in a critical state, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Two more victims, Salvatore Turdo, 23, and Massimo Pirozzo, 26, were declared dead shortly after the incident.

Additionally, two others, aged 33 and 16, were injured but are not in life-threatening conditions.

Initial investigations reveal that the violence was triggered by an altercation between two groups of young men—one local and the other from Palermo.

The situation escalated rapidly from a verbal argument to a physical brawl, culminating in gunfire. Witnesses reported that at least 15 shots rang out in a crowded square near local eateries.

Accounts from those present describe a scene of chaos. A young woman nearby recounted, "Within seconds, there was panic." She recalled people scrambling for safety behind cars, while others attempted to assist the injured.

Another witness described a tumultuous atmosphere, stating, "Tables and bottles were flying through the air, accompanied by shouting and total confusion."

Authorities cordoned off the area overnight, conducting interviews with dozens of witnesses. Forensic teams worked into the early hours to collect evidence.

The investigation is being led by prosecutors in Palermo, and law enforcement is reviewing security camera footage from the vicinity. Sources indicate that two suspects, both reportedly linked to the Zen neighborhood of Palermo—an area often associated with criminal activities—are currently being investigated, although no arrests have been made.

Investigators suspect that the shooting was a result of an out-of-control confrontation.

The Mayor of Monreale, Alberto Arcidiacono, has labeled the incident as "an unprecedented tragedy." On Sunday morning, he visited the hospital to extend support to the families of the victims.

A local emergency meeting is anticipated later in the day, with officials considering the suspension of the upcoming celebrations for the town's patron saint, the Santissimo Crocifisso, planned for May 1 to 3.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, tensions ran high. Paramedics were reportedly confronted by distraught relatives demanding urgent care for the injured.

Further unrest occurred at Ingrassia Hospital, where two victims were taken. Following the confirmation of one death, an ambulance was vandalized by grieving family members. Security forces established a perimeter to ensure the safety of emergency personnel.

Authorities are still working to confirm the identity of the shooter, and the investigation remains ongoing.