3 killed, 5 injured in shooting range blast in Italy

An explosion in a private shooting range in northern Italy killed three people and injured five on Sunday, local media reported.

The explosion, which occurred in the morning, triggered a big fire which was still burning in the evening, according to ANSA news agency. Three people were reported dead and five injured, though slightly, including two firemen.

The shooting range, run by a private association and opened a few months ago, was located on the second floor of a 400-square-meter warehouse in Portomaggiore, a town in northern Italy.

Around 10 people were inside the shooting range when the explosion occurred. Firemen, police and rescuers as well as an air ambulance rushed to the spot.

According to first investigation sources quoted by local newspaper Il Resto del Carlino, the explosion may have been caused by a saturation of gas produced by the guns used in the shooting range.

In Italy, only licensed gun owners are allowed to lawfully buy, own or carry a firearm or ammunition. Different types of gun licenses can be obtained from the Italian police authorities.

Applicants need to provide a solid reason, for example hunting, sport, work or performance of duties, self-defense or collection besides a doctor's note in order to obtain license.

According to 2014 police data, the number of legally possessed guns in Italy are around 1.1 million, mostly used for hunting and sport.

However, independent studies estimated that the number of guns, both licit and illicit, held by civilians in the country is between seven and 10 million, with a per-capita gun ownership rate of at least 12 percent. Endit