Italy looking at earthquake scientists

MODENA, Italy, March 26 (UPI) -- An investigation is under way to determine if scientists failed to warn about earthquakes that killed 24 people in central Italy last year, an official said.

Prosecutor Lucia Musti of Modena said investigators are reviewing expert statements made in recent years about earthquake risks in the Emilia-Romagna region.

Earthquakes last June left thousands homeless and brought the region's economy to its knees. Damage was estimated at $6.4 billion.