What Happened in the Gas Station Explosion in Rome?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A gas station explosion in eastern Rome injured over 40 people.
- Initial investigations suggest a pump detachment may have caused the blast.
- Emergency services were quick to respond and evacuate nearby residents.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely monitoring the situation.
- Safety measures at fuel stations are under scrutiny following the incident.
Rome, July 4 (NationPress) A devastating explosion occurred at a gas station in eastern Rome on Friday morning, resulting in injuries to over 40 individuals, as reported by local media.
Local authorities confirmed that the incident took place at a gas station located on Via Gordiani in the Prenestino district. Fortunately, none of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, although five individuals required hospitalization. Among the injured were rescue workers who were on-site to assist.
Initial findings from the local fire department indicate that the explosion might have been caused by a pump detaching from a tanker truck. Investigations are ongoing.
A large plume of smoke was visible from approximately three to four kilometers away around 8 am. The first explosion was small, complicating initial rescue efforts, but was soon followed by a much more powerful blast that resonated across various parts of Italy’s capital. Reports suggest that the shock wave reached up to 200 meters. Rescue teams have deployed a helicopter and a foam truck, according to Italian daily Il Foglio.
The injured included local operators, a firefighter, residents from the vicinity of Via Romolo Balzani, and around eight police officers. A strong gas odor prompted swift actions to evacuate local residents to safer, less populated zones.
The fire from the explosion spread to a warehouse behind the gas station, causing damage to nearby structures.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has reached out to Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, who is set to visit the explosion site. The Prime Minister is receiving regular updates from authorities, specifically concerning the injured individuals.
"I am closely monitoring the aftermath of the explosion at the gas station in the Prenestino neighborhood. I have been in contact with Mayor Gualtieri and Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano to ensure we are informed of the situation's progression," Meloni stated on social media.
"I extend my thoughts to all those injured, including law enforcement, firefighters, and healthcare personnel, and I thank all those involved in the rescue and safety efforts," she added.