Gas station explodes in Rome, the blast is heard throughout the city: at least 21 injured

Rome. A strong explosion that occurred this Friday morning at a gas station on Via dei Gordiani, in the Centocelle neighborhood, southeast of Rome, left at least 21 people injured and caused alarm in a large part of the Italian capital due to the loud noise and the column of smoke that rose after the incident. The accident, recorded around 8:20 in the morning, would have been caused by the detachment of a tanker pump while refueling the fuel distribution system. According to the authorities, the explosion affected several people, including firefighters, operators of the 118 emergency service, police officers, and residents of the area.

Read more: Seventh edition of the Romana International Volleyball begins

Initially, reports indicated 10 injured: eight police officers, a firefighter, and a 118 operator—who were already at the scene due to a previous collision between a truck and a pipe. However, as time passed, it was confirmed that at least 21 people were affected, five of whom were hospitalized with minor burns and injuries caused by broken glass. The explosion was so intense that it injured some people who were inside apartments near the service station, according to the Agi news agency. Despite the magnitude of the event, none of the victims are in serious condition. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and evacuated the area as a precautionary measure. Italian authorities have launched an investigation to accurately determine the causes of the incident and assess potential liabilities.