A powerful explosion rocked a gas station in southeastern Rome on Friday morning, injuring at least 25 people, including nine police officers and one firefighter, according to local authorities and emergency services.
The blast, which occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m., was heard across various parts of the Italian capital and sent a thick plume of black smoke into the sky, visible from several areas of the city.
Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, said police and firefighters had arrived at the scene in response to reports of a gas leak. However, two explosions occurred after their arrival.
Elisabetta Accardo, a spokeswoman for the Roman police, reported that 16 residents were among the injured, including two in serious condition who were hospitalized at Rome’s Casilino Hospital. “Nine of the injured belong to security forces — police and carabinieri — and one is a firefighter,” she added. “Fortunately, none of them are in life-threatening condition.”
At least 15 firefighting teams were deployed to contain the blaze.
Rome prosecutors have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, which may be linked to a gas leak during the unloading of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the service station.
Nearby, police swiftly evacuated a sports center to safeguard a group of children who were inside at the time. Authorities continued to search the surrounding area for possible victims who might be trapped or injured in nearby buildings.
Among the witnesses was Barbara Belardinelli, who said she and her daughter suffered minor burns after going outside to investigate the first blast. “When the second explosion hit, a fireball engulfed us. We felt the heat on our skin. My daughter’s arm is still red—it was terrifying,” she recalled.
Local residents told reporters that the explosion was so strong it shook nearby buildings “like an earthquake,” shattering windows and ripping shutters from their frames.
Pope Leo XIV expressed that he was praying for those affected, noting the explosion occurred “in the heart of my diocese.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated she was closely monitoring the situation.
