A powerful explosion rocked a petrol station in Rome’s eastern Prenestino district on Friday morning, leaving at least 27 people injured, including 10 police officers, a firefighter, and 16 civilians, according to Italian authorities.
The blast occurred just after 8 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and was heard across vast parts of the capital. It originated from a fuel distributor handling petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the densely populated working-class neighborhood. Local residents reported windows shattering and buildings shaking from the force of the explosion.
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Emergency responders, including firefighters and ambulance crews, were already on site before the blast, having been called in after a truck reportedly struck a pipeline at the station. The manager of the fuel distributor is among the civilians injured in the incident.
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According to reports from the scene, the explosion triggered a fire that quickly spread to a nearby depot. Firefighters confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the flames were still active but had been brought under control. The resulting shockwave caused significant structural damage in the area, including shattered windows and damaged façades.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over safety protocols and infrastructure risks at fuel stations, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the explosion and are continuing emergency operations to ensure the area is safe.
Residents are being urged to avoid the area as cleanup efforts and safety checks continue.
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