A powerful explosion at a petrol station in Rome’s Prenestino district injured at least nine people on Friday, including eight police officer and a firefighter, according to Italian authorities. The blast at the fuel distributor—which handled petrol, diesel, and LPG—was heard across the capital and triggered a massive fireball visible for miles, as captured in dramatic photos by Roma Today and the fire department.
The explosion occurred after a truck collided with a pipeline at the station, prompting emergency crews to rush to the scene before the catastrophic blast. Firefighters confirmed the LPG tank explosion ignited an intense, ongoing fire that spread to a nearby storage depot, while the shockwave damaged surrounding buildings.
Five victims were hospitalized with injuries, including the firefighter, though officials warned the toll could rise. A Reuters witness described the moment of detonation: “The whole house shook—I feared the windows would shatter.”
Government Currently Monitoring Situation
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office confirmed she was closely tracking developments. The incident highlights risks at urban fuel depots in Italy, where aging infrastructure and high-density housing often coexist.
The fire department’s images showed the station completely gutted, emphasising the explosion’s ferocity.
