A deliberately lit fire destroyed the organ at San Rocco church in Voghera. Two young suspects were reported to prosecutors after investigators examined CCTV footage. Fire and smoke forced the church to close on the day of Sunday worship.
On the morning of 18 October 2026, a fire broke out at San Rocco church in Voghera, destroying its organ. Initially considered potentially accidental, the blaze was subsequently attributed by investigators to deliberate vandalism.
According to the police reconstruction, two young people repeatedly entered the church from approximately 7.35 am. They also allegedly attempted to take money from the collection container and forced open a display case dedicated to Saint Roch before setting fire to the organ console.
The flames destroyed the instrument, while fire and smoke forced the church to close that Sunday.
After interviewing the parish priest, who formally reported the damage, investigators examined CCTV recordings and identified two suspects, aged 17 and 19. Both were reported to the relevant prosecutors on suspicion of attempted theft and criminal damage and remained at liberty.
Sources: VogheraNewsPavia, Il Giorno