Explosion at gas station in Rome: 45 injured, two in critical condition
In the morning, an explosion destroyed a gas station in Rome’s Prenestino district. 45 people were injured, and the blast was heard across the city. LPG leaked during fuel transfer from a truck.
Image from video @gualtierieurope / x.com
ITALY, Rome — On Friday, a powerful explosion completely destroyed a gas station in the Prenestino district, reports Reuters.
A fireball shot flames dozens of meters into the air, the shockwave shattered windows in nearby buildings and alarmed residents.
The Civil Protection Service reported 45 injured, including 12 police officers and six firefighters who had arrived before the detonation. Two victims are on ventilators due to severe burns. reuters.com
According to The Times of India, investigators believe that during the transfer of liquefied gas, the truck driver damaged a pressure pipeline. The leak created a gas cloud, which ignited from a compressor spark, leading to the explosion.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri thanked first responders for the swift evacuation of a children’s sports center across from the station; five children are now safely home.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked Carabinieri Marshal Gregorio Assanti, who saved a 67-year-old security guard engulfed in flames next to a car during the blast.
Despite the fire and danger, Assanti pulled the man out and transported him to the hospital. Meloni expressed gratitude to all emergency personnel who risked their lives to save others.
The station operated under the Eni brand but was privately owned. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into violations of safety rules involving hazardous materials.
