Fire in an industrial area with heavy machinery and columns of black smoke rising into the sky
ARGENTINA

Shocking explosion at a gas station in Rome left people injured and caused severe fires.

The explosion was so intense that it was heard throughout almost the entire city

A powerful explosion shook the Prenestino neighborhood in southeastern Rome on Friday morning, leaving at least 27 people injured, including 11 members of the police, Carabinieri, and firefighters who replied to the scene after an emergency call. Of those injured, two are in serious condition, according to official sources.

The blast, which occurred around 8:00 a.m. local time, was so intense that it was heard throughout nearly the entire city. Initial investigations indicate that a truck may have struck a fuel pipe, causing a leak and subsequently the explosion while firefighters were already in the area attempting to secure it.

Large-scale explosion with a cloud of fire and smoke rising over an urban area
A dense column of black smoke was caused, visible from several points in Rome | La Derecha Diario

After the initial blast, there were additional smaller explosions, generating a dense column of black smoke visible from several points in Rome and a large fire that reached nearby structures. The flames were brought under control after several hours of intense work by 10 fire crews, who also had to evacuate a sports center and two nearby residential buildings as a precaution.

RAI reported that Sant’Eugenio Hospital received three of the most seriously injured, who suffered fractures that triggered orange and red emergency protocols. In addition, two patients with burns were transferred from other health centers to the specialized unit for major burn care.

The impact was so strong that debris from the gas station was scattered up to 984 feet (300 meters) away. Authorities cordoned off the area and closed a nearby metro station while assessing the damage and ensuring the safety of residents.

Large-scale fire in an urban area with visible flames and smoke in the background
The impact was so strong that the gas station debris was scattered | La Derecha Diario

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her solidarity with the victims through a message on X: "I express my closeness to all those injured, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and healthcare personnel, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to those who participated in the rescue and safety operations."

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that he is closely monitoring the health status of those affected, especially the emergency teams who were injured while attempting to assist in the area.

Even Pope Leo XIV spoke out with a message of prayer and concern:  "I pray for those involved in the explosion at a gas station in the heart of my diocese."

➡️ Argentina

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