Massive Gas Explosion at Rome Petrol Station Injures 45, Triggers Citywide Panic

Rome: A massive gas explosion at a petrol station in Rome injured 45 people, including police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers who had responded to an initial, smaller explosion caused by a truck hitting a gas pipe. The second, more powerful blast in the northeast of Rome was heard across the Italian capital, creating widespread panic among residents who feared a bomb had detonated. A thick plume of smoke was visible from various parts of the city.

According to Ansa News Agency, the injured were treated in nine hospitals across Rome, including local residents who suffered injuries from flying shards of glass. Medical sources reported that six individuals are in critical condition, with two on life support due to severe burns and inhalation damage. Among the injured, 24 are civilians, 12 are police officers, six are firefighters, and three are emergency crew operators.

A nearby summer camp manager, Fabio Balzani, stated that a tragedy was narrowly averted as the explosion occurred early in the day before the usual influx of children and pool visitors. Early evacuations took place when smoke was first detected, ensuring the safety of the eight children present at the time.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri are closely monitoring the situation, while Pope Leo XIV expressed his prayers for the victims. In response to the incident, Rome prosecutors have launched an investigation.

Environmental and taxpayer groups have called for stricter safety measures, emphasizing the need to relocate petrol and gas stations outside city limits to prevent such occurrences. Lazio Regional Firefighters’ Chief, Ennio Aquilino, described the explosion as akin to a bomb due to a fault in the gas plant.

Carabiniere Gregorio Assanti recounted the rescue efforts, detailing how he and his team managed to evacuate a petrol safety officer despite the intense conditions. Health authorities have issued warnings about the dangers of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) exposure, advising residents to remain indoors and keep windows closed due to emissions from the blaze.