Rome LPG Station Explosion: Over Twenty Injured, Including First Responders; PM Meloni Offers Support

An explosion at a petrol and LPG station in the Centocelle district of Rome resulted in injuries to at least 21 people on Friday. The incident, which occurred around 8:20 am, caused substantial damage to nearby structures and vehicles. Preliminary investigations indicate a technical malfunction during refuelling as the trigger. Five individuals were admitted to the hospital with minor injuries and burns. Eight police officers, a firefighter, and an emergency responder were also injured, suffering burns. The explosion’s intensity was such that it was heard and seen throughout the city, generating a large cloud of smoke. Eyewitnesses reported a series of chain explosions and compared the event’s impact to an earthquake’s shockwave. The resulting fire extended to a nearby law enforcement storage facility. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze amidst a severe heatwave. According to Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, local emergency services were already on-site addressing a reported gas leak when subsequent explosions occurred. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has conveyed her support to the injured, including the first responders, and is closely monitoring the situation.