A big explosion happened at a fuel station in the eastern suburbs of Rome on Friday morning, injuring 20 people, according to the Associated Press.
Reports suggest that the blast happened during refuelling, but other sources say that a truck crashed into a pipeline around 8 am, which caused a huge fire. The fire sent a massive fireball into the sky, and thick black smoke could be seen from far away.
The fire department shared a video online showing burnt buildings, smoke, and flames still burning after the explosion. The area affected is called Prenestino in eastern Rome.
❌#Roma, #esplosione in un distributore di carburante in via dei Gordiani, zona Casilino: coinvolto uno dei #vigilidelfuoco intervenuti.
Squadre impegnate a spegnere le fiamme che stanno interessando il deposito giudiziario nella parte retrostante la stazione di rifornimento.… pic.twitter.com/P0zLAzFg3T— Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) July 4, 2025
What Happened Next
- After the first explosion, emergency teams rushed to help.
- A second, stronger blast happened a few minutes later.
- The explosion shook nearby buildings. Some people said it felt like an earthquake.
- Nearby buildings and a children’s summer camp were evacuated to keep everyone safe.
Read more: Telangana: 10 Dead, Several Injured in Reactor Blast at Chemical Factory
Injuries and Response
- Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, said most injuries were minor.
- Eight police officers who were helping at the scene were burned, but they are not in serious danger.
- Elisabetta Accardo, a police spokesperson, said there were several smaller explosions after the first big one.
Support and Reactions
- Pope Leo XIV said he is praying for all those affected.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared her concern and thanked the rescue teams – including police, firefighters, and health workers – for their efforts.
