(ANSA) - Two teenage trick-or-treaters remained in critical condition on Tuesday after being hit by a shotgun blast fired by an angry pensioner Halloween night.
Hospital sources in nearby Ivrea said the two 14-year-old boys sustained multiple injures, including a perforated lung, and that one risked losing sight in an eye.
The incident took place in the suburb of Chiaverano Monday night while the boys were making the traditional Halloween rounds in search of candy and sweets. The pensioner, 70-year-old Benito Dabbelani, apparently came out of his home and fired his shotgun after being the victim of pranks by other trick-or-treaters, who reportedly set off firecrackers outside his house.
Dabbelani later told the police he had fired into the air in order to scare the children who had been bothering him. Police said the pensioner did not appear to understand the seriousness of his act and faced possible charges of attempted homicide.
Doctors have already operated on the two boys to remove some of the shot but further surgery will be necessary.
