Gas Station Explosion Shakes Rome, Injuring Dozens

A catastrophic explosion at a gas station in the Prenestino area of Rome has left dozens injured, and caused extensive damage to surrounding buildings, including a nearby court deposit which is now on fire. The blast occurred in the early morning hours around 8 a.m., with residents reporting a massive ball of fire in the sky, according to Italian news outlet La Repubblica. The incident, which was so powerful that many Romans initially thought it was a missile, is said to have been caused potentially by a gas leak.

Context and Background

The explosion took place at a service station on Via dei Gordiani, a busy thoroughfare in Rome's Prenestino district. Initial reports from ANSA indicated that a loud bang was heard in many quarters of the city. The expansive wave from the explosion was so brutal that it affected several nearby buildings, leading to significant structural damage.

Injured and Involved Parties

Though there have been conflicting reports about the exact number of injured, it is clear that at least 20 people have been affected, with some outlets such as Clarin reporting as many as 40 casualties. Among the injured are eight police officers, one firefighter, and an operator of 118, as per ANSA and the New York Times. After the explosion, five people were transported to the hospital. None of the injuries are currently critical.

Cause and Response

While the cause of the blast was not immediately clear, Clarin reported that the incident happened while firefighters were trying to control a gas leak, indicating that the leak may have caused the explosion. In the aftermath of the blast, a large fire spread throughout the area. Firefighters and law enforcement officers are on the scene working to extinguish the flames and secure the area.

Evacuations and Reactions

The incident led to the evacuation of a summer center, according to ANSA. The surrounding area was thrown into chaos, with many residents fearing the worst. We thought about a bomb, reported one local to La Repubblica. The explosion was a shocking event for the residents of the city, many of whom woke to the sound of the blast and the sight of a massive fireball in the sky.

Current Status

As of now, the situation is under control with firefighters engaged in extinguishing the fire and law enforcement agencies maintaining order in the area. The final count of the injured and the extent of the damage to the buildings are yet to be determined. Investigations are underway to confirm the cause of the explosion. The residents of Rome are slowly coming to terms with the terrifying event that shook their city early in the morning.