THIS is the terrifying moment a petrol station explodes in a huge fireball in Rome leaving at least 45 people injured.
Glass was shattered and three people suffered severe burns from the shocking blast in the capital’s eastern neighborhood, the Prenestino area.
ReutersA huge cloud of smoke rises after a gas station exploded on the outskirts of Rome, Italy[/caption]
Cover ImagesAt least 45 people were injured following the blast[/caption]
ReutersFirefighters are still tackling the blaze[/caption]
Cover ImagesDebris is seen strewn across the ground[/caption]
A huge bang was heard in areas surrounding the distributor of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) on Via dei Gordiani.
Billowing clouds of black smoke filling the air are pictured as flames spread over the gas station and parked cars.
Meanwhile, shocking footage of the collapsed building, charred by the fire, shows rubble and glass strewn across the ground.
Emergency services – including seven ambulances, fire engines, and police forces – were called to the scene at around 8am today to reports of a truck hitting a pipeline at the service station.
Just moments later, the building exploded with a force comparable to a “bomb” going off, according to Ennio Aquilino, regional director of the Lazio fire brigade.
One local told Reuters: “I heard it as I was leaving the house, there was a very loud bang, the whole house shook and I was afraid the windows might shatter given how strong it was.”
Some 45 people have been injured, including the manager of the fuel distributor.
“I pray for the people involved in the explosion of a gas station (…) in the heart of my Diocese. I continue to follow the developments of this tragic incident with concern,” Pope Leo XIV wrote on X.
Health authorities said eight people had been hospitalised, including two with serious burns and needing ventilation support, and a third person with burns was in serious but not critical condition.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, speaking from the scene, told reporters an incident during fuel-tank refilling operations was suspected, causing a gas leak, followed by a fire and the explosion.
The station had the Eni brand but was not owned by the Italian energy group, the company said in a statement.
Firefighters wrote on X that the fire was still burning but was under control.
Flames spread to a nearby depot, while the shockwave from the explosion damaged nearby buildings, breaking windows.
One man was rescued from his car and is now being treated in hospital for serious injuries.
A sports centre that hosts a youth summer camp opposite the station was evacuated before the blast, a representative said in a Facebook video, adding that the five children in its care were safe and back with their families.
President of the Villa De Sanctis sports club, Fabio Balzani, told local news that there would have been a “massacre” had they not taking the children out of the building at “the first hint of smoke”.
He added that the sports centre is now badly “damaged” and resembles a “battlefield”.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was following the situation, her office said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Italian interior minsiter Matteo Piantedosi commended those who “intervened promptly” despite the terrifying conditions.
In a statement, he said: “I am in constant contact with the police chief and the head of the fire department to closely follow the developments related to the explosion that occurred this morning in Rome.
“I am monitoring with particular attention the conditions of the injured, especially those of the police officers and firefighters who intervened promptly to provide first aid.
“Their readiness, courage and sense of duty demonstrated in dealing with the emergency represent an extraordinary example of dedication to public service, which deserves respect and gratitude from everyone.
“The necessary checks are now underway for the remediation of the area.”
Cover ImagesNearby buildings have also reportedly been damaged by the explosion[/caption]
ReutersA burnt ambulance is seen next to the gas station[/caption]
ReutersEmergency services personnel work at the scene[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialThick black smoke is seen engulfing the sky[/caption]
Billowing clouds of black smoke filling the air were seen
Nearby buildings have also reportedly been damaged by the explosion