Massive Gas Station Explosion Injures At Least 20 In Rome
ROME (AP) – Local authorities and rescuers exploded in Southeast Rome on Friday and injured at least 20 people, including eight police officers and firefighters.
The explosion was heard in the Italian capital shortly after 8 o’clock and sent a large cloud of dark smoke and fire that could be seen from various parts of the city.
Roman Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, about 20 people were slightly injured, he said.
Gualtieri said that local police and firefighters ran to the area after warning about a gas leakage.
After arriving, he watched two explosions and added.
Roman police spokesman Elisabetta Accardo said that eight police officers were injured after arriving in rescue operations.
“There was a few chains explosion after the first,” the Italian state publisher RAI said. “All injured policemen were subjected to burns, but they are not danger of life.”
Firefighters Luca Cari, an firefighter was injured in the explosion, but “not serious,” he said. Authorized, ten teams are working on the field, he added.
Police, injured in nearby buildings or trapped for people who have controlled the surrounding area, he said.
Roman prosecutors launched an investigation into what caused the explosion.
A sports center near the gas station was quickly evacuated by the police after the first explosion and several children were brought to security.
Residents interviewed by the local media, the explosion is so high and severe and nearby buildings hit the “earthquake”, he said.
Pope Leo Xiv said he was praying for those who were “in the heart of my bishop” for those affected by the explosion.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that he closely follows the developments.
