An arson attack in Terralba, destroying a businessman's villa: "Enormous damage."

A fire destroyed the home of a Terralba businessman on Saturday night. An investigation is ongoing, but initial findings suggest it was an act of intimidation targeting Battista Manis, the manager of several betting shops and tobacconists on the island.

The entrepreneur had already been subjected to intimidation a year ago, and his home was also targeted by arsonists. The Carabinieri are investigating the incident.

It was around 9 p.m. when the alarm went off. Manis said he heard loud noises, then an explosion, and within seconds the flames grew increasingly tall and threatening . Firefighters were immediately alerted, and they worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and secure the home.

"Everything here is destroyed," the entrepreneur commented. "The damage is enormous."

The flames also involved a car parked near the house overlooking Via Sicilia, the road that leads to Tanca Marchese.

Firefighters have conducted all necessary checks to determine the cause of the fire; they suspect a flammable liquid was used to ignite it. Carabinieri officers arrived on the scene and began an investigation to shed light on the incident. Video surveillance footage is also being examined.