A tragic shooting incident rocked Palermo, the capital of Italy&rsquo;s Sicily, leaving three people dead and two others injured after a violent altercation between two groups of young men escalated late Saturday evening, according to local media reports.
The confrontation began at a pizzeria near the busy Duomo di Monreale square, a popular nightlife area. What started as a verbal dispute quickly turned into a brawl, before shots were fired &mdash; at least fifteen rounds, according to eyewitnesses.
The deceased were identified as Salvatore Turdo (23), Massimo Pirozzo (26), and Andrea Miceli (26), who succumbed to his injuries at Palermo's Civico Hospital on Sunday. Two others, aged 33 and 16, sustained gunshot wounds but are currently out of life-threatening danger.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos. &ldquo;People were running for cover behind cars; some were screaming, others tried to help the wounded,&rdquo; said a young woman present during the shooting. Another witness recalled "tables and bottles flying" in the crowded square.
Authorities cordoned off the area overnight, and forensic teams worked through the early hours to gather evidence. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and have identified two suspects from Palermo&rsquo;s Zen neighborhood, known for underworld activities. However, no arrests have been made yet.
Palermo&rsquo;s mayor, Alberto Arcidiacono, called the incident &ldquo;an unprecedented tragedy&rdquo; and visited the victims' families at the hospital. The local administration is considering suspending the upcoming Santissimo Crocifisso celebrations scheduled for May 1&ndash;3.
Tensions remained high at city hospitals. Paramedics and emergency staff reported confrontations with distressed relatives, leading to property damage, including a vandalized ambulance.
The investigation remains active, with authorities working to confirm the identity of the shooter.
&mdash; IANS
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Police officers at the cordoned off site of shooting

Violence erupted after verbal dispute turned into a brawl; investigation underway

3 Dead, 2 Hurt in Sicily Shooting

Violence erupted after verbal dispute turned into a brawl; investigation underway

April 27, 2025 | 19:07 IST