The number of people injured in this morning’s gas station explosion in Rome’s Prenestino district has risen to over 40, with several victims in serious condition. Among those hurt are police officers, local residents, and passersby – many struck by shattered glass from nearby buildings.
The explosion occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Via dei Gordiani, following an initial incident in which a truck reportedly struck a gas pipeline during LPG unloading operations. As emergency crews worked to secure the area, two massive explosions erupted, igniting a fire and causing widespread panic.
Regional fire chief Ennio Aquilino confirmed that the blast was the result of a “blif da GPL” – a malfunction in the gas system – describing the force of the explosion as being “comparable to a bomb.”
The entire area has now been cordoned off and placed under police seizure. Prosecutors, led by Deputy Chief Prosecutor Giovanni Conzo, have opened an official investigation into the incident, with charges of involuntary bodily harm being considered.
Emergency services remain on the scene, and residents have been urged to avoid the area as investigations continue into what could have been a far deadlier disaster.
Panic erupted in the Prenestino district early this morning, after two powerful explosions tore through a fuel station on Via dei Gordiani, sparking a large fire and injuring dozens. Authorities have confirmed that, while several people sustained injuries, some seriously, none are currently in life-threatening condition.
The chain of events began around 8:00 a.m. when emergency services were called to the site after a truck reportedly struck a gas pipeline at the station. As responders worked to secure the area, a violent blast occurred, followed by a second explosion. According to Lazio Fire Department Chief Ennio Aquilino, the cause appears to be a “GPL leak malfunction, comparable to a bomb detonation.”
Rome Police Commissioner Roberto Massucci stated that the main explosion occurred while emergency crews were already on-site managing the earlier truck incident. Both first responders and civilians, including the station manager, were caught in the blast and transported to local hospitals.
One person was pulled from a burning vehicle and remains in critical condition. Authorities noted that an adjacent ambulance depot, which stored oxygen tanks, may have contributed to further explosions.
An investigation has been launched by Rome’s Public Prosecutor’s Office, coordinated by Deputy Prosecutor Giovanni Conzo. Officials will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including safety measures and potential negligence during the LPG offloading process.
The area remains cordoned off as investigators and emergency teams continue work on-site. Updates are expected throughout the day.
Photos: Sky tg24
