Italian authorities have reported that at least 45 individuals were injured following a significant explosion at a petrol station in Rome. Among the injured are 12 police officers and six firefighters.
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The explosion occurred just after 8 AM local time (7 AM Irish time) at a fuel distributor in the Prenestino neighborhood, which provides petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
According to reports from Italian news agencies, the injured are being treated at local hospitals, with two individuals in critical condition due to severe burns and requiring ventilation support.
Images released by the fire department illustrate the aftermath, showing the petrol station nearly gutted by the blast.
“I pray for the people involved in the explosion of a gas station (…) in the heart of my Diocese. I continue to follow the developments of this tragic incident with concern,” expressed Pope Leo XIV on social media.
Firefighters and ambulance personnel were already on the scene when the explosion occurred, having responded to an earlier incident involving a truck that collided with a pipeline at the petrol station, reports indicate.
Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, offered insights on-site, suggesting that the explosion was linked to a gas leak during fuel tank refilling operations, which ignited and led to the blast.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took a moment to acknowledge the swift response of police, firefighters, and emergency services, emphasizing their efforts in preventing what could have been an even more devastating outcome.
The petrol station was branded with Eni ENI.MI, although it was not owned by the Italian energy group, the company clarified in a statement.
Before the explosion, a sports center across from the site, which was hosting a youth summer camp, was evacuated. A representative confirmed in a Facebook video that the five children in their care were safe and reunited with their families.
“We must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents in the future,” urged local safety officials.
Our thoughts are with those affected during this challenging time.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
