A gas station explosion in southeastern Rome on Friday morning injured at least 20 individuals, including eight police officers and a firefighter. The explosion, which occurred shortly after 8 a.m., sent a large plume of smoke into the sky and was heard across the city.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed the injuries and noted that emergency services were dispatched following reports of a gas leak. Two successive explosions occurred shortly after their arrival. Police spokesperson Elisabetta Accardo mentioned that the injured policemen sustained burns but are not in life-threatening condition.
Ten fire teams were deployed to secure the area, and police conducted door-to-door checks to find additional victims. A nearby sports center was evacuated. Residents likened the explosion to an earthquake.
Rome prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause. Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity and prayed for those affected, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely monitoring the situation.
