A powerful explosion at a petrol and LPG station in Rome’s Centocelle district on Friday morning left at least 21 people injured and caused extensive damage to nearby buildings and vehicles. The blast, which occurred around 8:20 a.m., was reportedly triggered by a technical fault during a refuelling operation.
According to the Rome Fire Brigade, the explosion originated from a malfunction involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and sent a massive shockwave through the surrounding area. While none of the injuries were life-threatening, five individuals were hospitalized with minor burns and injuries, primarily from shattered glass and debris. The remaining victims, including emergency responders, sustained superficial injuries.
The explosion’s intensity startled residents across southeast Rome, with a thick column of smoke rising above the city skyline. The force of the blast injured individuals inside nearby apartment buildings, and windows in several homes were shattered. Some residents described the incident as feeling like an “earthquake.”
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed that local police and fire services responded immediately after being alerted to a gas leak at the station. However, two additional explosions occurred after their arrival, complicating emergency response efforts.
Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police, told RAI state broadcaster, “There were a few chain explosions after the first one. All the injured officers suffered burns, but fortunately, none are in critical condition.”
The explosion damaged a number of nearby structures and set multiple vehicles on fire. The blaze quickly spread to a law enforcement warehouse behind the fuel station, intensifying the emergency.
Authorities cordoned off the area to conduct safety operations. Firefighters, working in difficult conditions exacerbated by Rome’s ongoing heatwave, struggled to contain the fire. The extreme temperatures and high winds made firefighting efforts particularly challenging.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with one resident stating, “The blast felt like a bomb. The building shook, and smoke filled the air.” Another reported glass and debris raining down from their balcony.
The Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that it is awaiting detailed reports from the fire brigade and law enforcement in order to open a formal investigation. Investigators are expected to examine the maintenance and safety records of the station and determine whether there were any violations of fuel storage or handling protocols.
As authorities continue to assess the damage and identify the cause, questions remain about the safety procedures at petrol and LPG stations in the capital. Emergency teams remain on-site to manage residual risks and support displaced residents affected by the blast.
