At least 21 people were injured after an explosion at a petrol and LPG station in the Centocelle area of southeast Rome, Italy, on Friday. The blast occurred around 8:20 am and caused significant damage to nearby buildings and vehicles. Reportedly, the explosion was trigged by a technical fault during a refuelling operation. Five individuals were hospitalised with minor burns and injuries from shattered glass. Among the injured were eight police officers, a firefighter, and an emergency responder, all of whom sustained burns.

According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was powerful to be heard across the city and was visible as a large plume of smoke. Some residents compared the explosion to that of an earthquake shockwave. They described a series of chain explosions and its impact to nearby structures. The fire also spread to a law enforcement storage facility located behind the site of explosion.

The area has been sealed off as firefighters continue their efforts to extinguish the blaze, which is being challenged by the heatwave currently gripping Rome.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed that local police and firefighters were already on the scene responding to a reported gas leak when two additional blasts occurred shortly after their arrival.

“There were a few chain explosions after the first one… All the policemen injured suffered burns, but they are not in danger of life,” a spokesperson for the Roman police said as quoted by Euronews.

PM Giorgia Meloni Expresses Solidarity

Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that she is closely following the consequences of the explosion at gas station. She has expressed solidarity with the victims and assured them support.

She wrote on X, “I am closely following the consequences of the explosion that occurred this morning at a gas station in the Prenestino neighborhood, in Rome. I have spoken with the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and I remain in constant contact with Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano and the relevant authorities to monitor the evolution of the situation. I express my solidarity with all the injured – including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers – and extend my heartfelt thanks to all those engaged in rescue and safety operations.”