'Fireball shooting into sky': 20 injured in explosion at fuel station in Rome
20 people were injured in a massive explosion at a fuel station in the Rome suburbs on Friday, reports the Associated Press.
Local media reports suggested that the explosion occurred during refuelling.
However, a social media post citing preliminary reports stated that a truck crashed into the pipeline shortly after 8 am, sending up a huge cloud of dark smoke and igniting a fire visible from several parts of the city.
The fire service shared a video on social media showing burnt and smoking buildings with flames still burning. A large fireball was seen shooting into the sky, followed by thick black smoke spreading across the Prenestino area in eastern Rome.
Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed that he majority of injuries reported were minor.
Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police, said that eight police officers were injured after arriving for rescue operations.
'There were a few chain explosions after the first one,' Accardo was quoted as saying to Italian state broadcaster RAI. 'All the policemen injured suffered burns, but they are not in danger of life.'
Neighbouring buildings and a children's summer camp were evacuated following the explosion.
Residents interviewed by local media said the explosion was so loud and violent that it struck nearby buildings and it felt 'like an earthquake.'
After the first explosion, emergency services rushed to the scene, followed by a stronger blast a few minutes later.
Pope Leo XIV also prayed for those affected by the explosion, which happened 'in the heart of my Diocese.'
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was following the situation.
"I express my closeness to all those who are injured -- including law enforcement officers, firefighters and health workers -- and I extend my heartfelt thanks to those involved in the rescue and safety operations," she wrote on X.
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