Massive Petrol Station Explosion in Rome Injures 21, Causes Chaos

A powerful explosion rocked a petrol station in the Prenestino district of eastern Rome early Friday morning. The blast injured at least 21 people, including emergency workers, and sent a huge cloud of smoke rising over the city.

The explosion happened around 8:00am at a service station on Via dei Gordiani, where petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were stored. The station was completely destroyed by the blast.

What Caused the Explosion?

According to local reports, a truck hit a fuel pipeline, which may have caused the first explosion. Emergency services were already on-site responding to the incident when the blast occurred.

A spokesperson from the fire department said: “We are working on a tank explosion… the fire is still ongoing.”

The explosion triggered several smaller blasts shortly afterward. Police and firefighters were among the injured. Five emergency workers were taken to hospital with serious burns, but their lives are not in danger.

Scenes of Destruction

Video clips shared online show flames, thick smoke, and debris everywhere. A nearby webcam captured the mushroom-cloud-style blast, which could be seen rising high above the city.

One eyewitness told La Repubblica,

“It looked like a bomb went off.”

Another added to La Stampa,

“It looked like hell.”

Photos from the scene showed a burned ambulance, blackened tarmac, and fire crews working to contain the blaze. At least 10 firefighting teams are working at the site.

Emergency Response and Closures

Rome’s public transport authority (Atac) has shut down a nearby metro station on police instructions. Officers are also checking a nursery and a sports center near the area to ensure everyone’s safety.