Destructive blast at a fuel station severely harms 40 individuals
In the heart of Rome, Italy, an unexpected disaster unfolded early this morning at a petrol and LPG station in the Centocelle district. The cause of the explosion, as preliminary reports suggest, was a technical fault during refuelling, potentially compounded by a truck hitting a pipeline at the service station [1][2][3].
The blast, described by witnesses as "like an earthquake," caused a stir in the Italian capital, shaking nearby buildings [4]. The explosion resulted in a "BLEVE" (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion), according to the firefighters' regional director, Ennio Acquilino [5].
The incident left at least 45 people injured, including 24 civilians and 21 rescue workers, such as twelve police officers and six firefighters [6]. Fortunately, none of the injuries are reported to be life-threatening, with five people hospitalized for minor burns and injuries from shattered glass [1][2].
The Rome Public Prosecutor's Office is awaiting initial reports from the fire brigade and police to proceed with the investigation [1]. The area was cordoned off, and firefighters worked tirelessly under challenging conditions due to an intense heatwave to control the blaze [1].
One of the most affected structures was Fabio Balzani's sports centre, where he stated that if the fire had occurred a few minutes later, the consequences could have been disastrous, as about 60 children were expected for a summer camp and around 120 people had booked the pool that morning [7]. Balzani described the affected area as a "battlefield."
Michele Secu, a worker at a sports centre near the explosion site, described the explosion as very strong and feeling his skin burn [8]. Antonio Palomba, who was near the gas station, initially thought the explosion was a terrorist attack due to the pressure felt on his van's windows [9].
Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, was at the scene and commented on the damage caused by the explosion. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely monitoring the aftermath of the explosion and is in contact with all involved authorities, including the mayor of Rome [10].
As the investigation continues, it is expected to provide more insights into the technical fault and any potential contributing factors once completed. Videos circulating online show large flames, detonations at the gas pump, and a thick column of black smoke rising into the sky above the eastern periphery of Rome [11].
In the meantime, the community is left to pick up the pieces, with many buildings and vehicles damaged and the memory of the intense explosion still fresh in their minds.
The disaster at the Centocelle district petrol and LPG station in Rome, Italy, has also impacted the health-and-wellness sector, as Fabio Balzani's sports centre was among the most affected structures. Balzani stated that, had the fire occurred a few minutes later, the consequences could have been devastating, given about 60 children were expected for a summer camp and around 120 people had booked the pool that morning.
Politics are heavily involved in the aftermath, with Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, present at the scene, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni closely monitoring the situation. The Rome Public Prosecutor's Office is awaiting initial reports from the fire brigade and police to proceed with the investigation.
The general news is filled with reports of car-accidents, as the explosion at the service station may have been partly caused by a truck hitting a pipeline. Online videos show large flames, detonations at the gas pumps, and a thick column of black smoke rising into the sky.
The science community is also paying attention, as the incident resulted in a "BLEVE" (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion), according to the firefighters' regional director, Ennio Acquilino. The investigation is expected to provide more insights into the technical fault and any potential contributing factors once completed.
