Explosion at Rome Petrol Station Hurts Many

Rome: A big gas explosion at a petrol station in Rome injured several people, including policemen and rescue workers who had gone to clear up a gas spill after a truck hit a gas pipe. The blast in the northeast of Rome was heard all over the Italian capital, and a thick plume of smoke was also visible from all parts.

According to Ansa News Agency, at least 21 people were hospitalized, while local residents were injured by flying shards from broken windows. A man was pulled from a burning car and is in serious condition. The other injured are not in life-threatening condition, officials said.

The manager of a nearby summer camp said it was lucky the blast occurred so early in the day because “it would have been a massacre” if the 60 children and 120 swimming pool users had been there. Premier Giorgia Meloni said she was in close contact with Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri to monitor the situation after the accident. Pope Leo XIV said he was praying for the victims.

Rome prosecutors have opened a probe into the incident.