ROME: Italian authorities have arrested two Pakistani nationals in connection with the killing of four Pakistani farm workers whose bodies were discovered inside a burnt-out minivan in southern Italy, according to local media reports.
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The tragic incident occurred near the village of Amendolara in Italy’s southern Calabria region, an area known for its extensive agricultural activity and migrant workforce.
According to reports, the charred vehicle was found at a petrol station, where firefighters responding to the blaze discovered the bodies of four victims inside after extinguishing the fire.
La strage dei #braccianti. Quattro corpi carbonizzati sono stati trovati in un’auto incendiata in un’area di servizio del #Cosentino. Erano tutti lavoratori #pakistani. Per chi indaga sono stati uccisi.#Tg1 Elena De Vincenzo pic.twitter.com/tBNK9djVmj
— Tg1 (@Tg1Rai) June 1, 2026
I quattro braccianti pakistani uccisi e dati alle fiamme in Calabria: la pista del regolamento di conti https://t.co/SV10jvfW8S
— Corriere della Sera (@Corriere) June 2, 2026
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that surveillance footage from the petrol station showed two individuals allegedly blocking the vehicle’s doors from the outside before pouring a liquid into the minivan. Moments later, the footage reportedly captured a fire breaking out, with the suspects fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement officials have launched a murder investigation and detained two Pakistani nationals in connection with the case. Authorities are continuing efforts to establish the motive and reconstruct the events leading to the deaths.
Local police chief Antonio Borelli described the incident as a clear case of homicide, saying investigators were focused on determining the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Media reports indicate that tensions have been rising in parts of Calabria among migrant communities involved in agricultural labour. Disputes related to employment opportunities, residency documentation and accommodation arrangements have reportedly contributed to conflicts in the area.
According to Corriere della Sera, at least 14 incidents involving arson attacks on vehicles used by Pakistani migrants have been recorded in recent months in the region, raising concerns about the safety of foreign workers.
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The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released. Pakistani diplomatic authorities are expected to remain in contact with Italian officials as investigations continue into the deaths of the four workers.