An explosion at a gas station in southeastern Rome on Friday morning left at least 20 people injured, including eight police officers and a firefighter.
The blast occurred shortly after 8 a.m., sending a thick column of smoke into the air, which was visible across several parts of the city, according to emergency responders.
Local authorities had initially responded to reports of a gas leak at the station. However, two successive explosions erupted shortly after emergency teams arrived at the scene. “There were a few chain explosions after the first one,” said Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed that most injuries were minor and said the response teams were on-site at the time of the explosions. Police officers reportedly sustained burns, but none were in critical condition.
“All the policemen injured suffered burns, but none are in life-threatening condition,” Accardo reassured.
The fire department deployed ten units to manage the situation and secure the area. Fire brigade spokesperson Luca Cari confirmed that one firefighter had been injured, though not seriously. Authorities continued to comb through the neighborhood, checking nearby homes and buildings for additional victims or residents in need of evacuation.
A nearby sports center was also quickly cleared by police as a safety precaution. Several children were safely evacuated from the facility as a result of the prompt response. Eyewitnesses compared the tremor from the explosion to an earthquake, with nearby buildings shaking under the force of the blast.
Officials have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the explosion. Rome prosecutors are leading the inquiry, while national figures expressed their support.
“In the heart of my Diocese, I pray for all affected,” Pope Leo XIV stated. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely following developments from the capital.
Leave a comment