△ Rescue scene after a gas station explosion (Image source: Ansa)
An explosion occurred at a gas station in the eastern part of Rome, Italy’s capital, on the morning of the 4th, raising the number of injured to 45.
According to Ansa, among the 45 injured were 12 police officers, 6 firefighters, and 3 rescue workers. These individuals arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations following the initial minor explosion but were then confronted with multiple larger explosions. Currently, two individuals are in critical condition.
Previous reports indicated that the incident took place at a gas station located on Gordian Street in the eastern part of Rome, where thick smoke billowed and loud explosions could be heard from several nearby neighborhoods. Fire department images released showed that the main building of the gas station was almost completely destroyed.
Preliminary investigations by local fire departments suggest that an oil tanker’s pipeline detached from the gas station, possibly being the cause of the accident.