Successive explosions in Rome: Gas station catches fire

A gas station on Gordiani Street in the Prenestino district, located in the east of Rome, was rocked by a violent explosion around 08:00 in the morning. The Italian Fire Brigade (Vigili del Fuoco) announced in a statement on the social media platform X that 10 response teams had been dispatched to the scene.

According to initial findings, black smoke spreading from the fire that broke out following the explosion was visible from many parts of the city.

SECOND EXPLOSION HITS SECURITY FORCES

According to eyewitness accounts, the firefighting teams responding to the fire and the police officers securing the area were hit by a second explosion following the first.

Authorities reported that at least 1 civilian was injured in addition to 8 police officers and 1 firefighter, noting that most of the injuries were caused by minor burns and broken glass.

METRO SERVICES HALTED, BUILDINGS EVACUATED

The force of the explosion shattered windows in surrounding buildings and caused structural damage to some structures. For security reasons, a large number of residences in the area were evacuated.

Services on the C line of the Rome metro were temporarily suspended due to the explosion.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI: “WE ARE MONITORING CLOSELY”

In a social media post regarding the incident, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated, “I am closely monitoring the explosion in Rome's Prenestino district. I have spoken with Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. We are in constant contact with Undersecretary to the Prime Minister Alfredo Mantovano and all relevant institutions. I extend my best wishes for a speedy recovery to our injured citizens, the law enforcement officers on duty, and the firefighters.”

News Source: 12punto