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A powerful explosion at a gas station in eastern Rome injured at least nine people Friday, including eight police officers and one firefighter, according to Italian authorities.
The incident occurred in the Prenestino district after a truck struck a pipeline at a fuel distributor that supplies petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Emergency services were already present at the scene when the blast occurred, responding to the initial collision.
The explosion triggered a massive fireball and spread flames to a nearby depot, while the shockwave caused structural damage to surrounding buildings. Five individuals were hospitalized, officials said.
Additional explosions reportedly followed the initial blast, injuring both firefighters and police officers who were already on the scene. Italian news agency ANSA said the injuries included light burns and cuts from shattered glass. The force of the explosion broke windows in surrounding buildings and sent thick plumes of black smoke rising over the city, visible from several districts.
Emergency crews evacuated nearby residential buildings as a precaution, while service on metro line C, which runs through the affected area, was temporarily suspended. Witnesses described scenes of panic as residents fled their homes and emergency responders worked to contain the blaze.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely following developments and had spoken with Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. In a statement posted on X, she expressed solidarity with the injured—particularly law enforcement, firefighters, and medical workers—and extended her thanks to those involved in the rescue and security efforts.
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