An explosion at a petrol and LPG station in the Centocelle district of Rome resulted in injuries to at least 21 people on Friday. The incident, which occurred around 8:20 am, caused substantial damage to nearby structures and vehicles. Preliminary investigations indicate a technical malfunction during refuelling as the trigger. Five individuals were admitted to the hospital with minor injuries and burns. Eight police officers, a firefighter, and an emergency responder were also injured, suffering burns. The explosion’s intensity was such that it was heard and seen throughout the city, generating a large cloud of smoke. Eyewitnesses reported a series of chain explosions and compared the event’s impact to an earthquake’s shockwave. The resulting fire extended to a nearby law enforcement storage facility. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze amidst a severe heatwave. According to Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, local emergency services were already on-site addressing a reported gas leak when subsequent explosions occurred. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has conveyed her support to the injured, including the first responders, and is closely monitoring the situation.
Rome LPG Station Explosion: Over Twenty Injured, Including First Responders; PM Meloni Offers Support
