A massive explosion shook the eastern Prenestino district of Rome early Friday morning, leaving more than 20 people injured, including nine police officers and a firefighter. The blast occurred at a petrol station just after 8:00 am local time (0600 GMT), sending a huge fireball and thick black smoke into the sky and triggering panic across the Italian capital.
The explosion followed a reported accident involving a fuel truck that struck a pipeline at the station, which dispenses petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Emergency responders were already at the scene when the blast happened, making the situation even more dangerous. Firefighters and ambulance teams were caught in the explosion, which gutted the station and sent a shockwave through nearby buildings.
Photos from local news outlet Roma Today showed a towering wall of flame, while images released by the fire department revealed the petrol station almost completely destroyed. The explosion also spread to a nearby fuel depot and shattered windows in surrounding buildings.
Rome’s police chief, Roberto Massucci, confirmed that 16 civilians were also injured, including the station manager. Thankfully, no one is in critical condition. Health authorities said five people were hospitalized with minor burns and cuts caused by broken glass.
Among the most heartening moments of the day came from across the street, where a youth summer camp was in full swing at a sports centre. The camp was quickly evacuated just before the explosion. “All the children are safe,” a representative confirmed in a Facebook video. “We are grateful to the emergency services for their fast action.”
Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep concern and solidarity with those affected. “I pray for the people involved in the explosion of a gas station in the heart of my Diocese,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I continue to follow the developments of this tragic incident with concern.”
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Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also monitoring the situation closely. Her office issued a statement saying she is receiving regular updates from emergency officials.
Firefighters are still working to bring the situation fully under control, as parts of the fuel station continue to burn. One firefighter remains hospitalized. “We are working on a tank explosion. The fire is still ongoing,” the fire department said in a statement.
While investigations into the exact cause of the explosion are still underway, early signs suggest the impact of the truck on the fuel pipeline may have triggered the blast. The site remains cordoned off as forensic teams examine the wreckage.
The explosion has left a deep scar in the heart of the Prenestino neighborhood. Yet amid the destruction, Rome’s emergency workers- police, firefighters, ambulance crews have once again shown courage and dedication in the face of disaster. Their quick response likely prevented an even greater tragedy.
