A powerful explosion ripped through a gas station in southeastern Rome. The blast, occurring early Friday morning on July 4, 2025, injured at least 25 people. Nine first responders were among those hurt. The incident caused widespread shock and disruption across the Italian capital.
Authorities responded swiftly to the unfolding emergency. The event highlighted the dangers faced by rescue personnel. An investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the catastrophic event.
Violent Blast Rocks Rome Suburb
The explosion happened at a petrol and LPG station. It was located in Rome’s southeastern Prenestino neighborhood. The specific address was on Via dei Gordiani, near the Centocelle district. Reports of a gas leak first alerted authorities to the area. Local police and firefighters were dispatched to the scene. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed officials arrived shortly after the initial report.
Two major explosions followed the arrival of emergency crews. The blasts occurred shortly after 8 a.m. local time. Witnesses described the force as immense. They felt the shockwaves across the city. A massive cloud of dark smoke and fire billowed into the sky. This plume was visible from many parts of Rome.
Sequence of Events and Impact Scale
The first explosion prompted immediate concern. It was followed by a second, even more powerful blast. Residents likened the impact to an earthquake. The ground shook violently. Buildings nearby sustained significant damage. Windows shattered and shutters were torn off.
The second explosion was particularly dangerous. Witnesses reported a “ball of fire” and flying metal fragments. Resident Barbara Belardinelli described the terrifying moment. She and her daughter were hit after leaving their home to check on the first blast. “We felt the fire on the skin,” she recounted. Her daughter’s arm remained red from the heat. Another witness, Massimo Bartoletti, called the second blast “hellish.” He described a “fiery mushroom” cloud rising above the site. Michele Secu, working nearby, felt his skin burning from the heat. The intensity of the event was extreme.
Injuries Reported: Residents and Responders Hurt
At least 25 individuals sustained injuries in the explosion. This total includes both civilians and emergency personnel. Rome police spokeswoman Elisabetta Accardo provided a breakdown. Sixteen residents living near the station were injured. Two of these residents suffered severe injuries. They required hospitalization at Rome’s Casilino hospital.
Crucially, nine first responders were also injured. These included police officers, Carabinieri (military police), and a firefighter. Fortunately, none of the injuries to these dedicated personnel were considered life-threatening at the time. Some police officers reportedly sustained burns during the subsequent blasts. Their quick response likely prevented even greater casualties.
The Critical Evacuation Effort
Emergency services took immediate action. Upon receiving the gas leak report, local police began evacuating the area. They focused on a nearby sports center. Buildings opposite the gas station were also cleared. This swift action proved vital.
The sports center was scheduled to host around 60 children for a summer camp. Approximately 120 people were also booked for the swimming pool that morning. Balzani Fabio, head of the sports center, stressed the near-catastrophe. He stated, “It would have been a massacre, a catastrophe” if the evacuation had not happened before the second, larger explosion. Police also systematically checked surrounding buildings. They searched for anyone injured or trapped. This proactive approach undoubtedly saved lives.
Emergency Response and Investigation Begins
Fifteen firefighting teams were dispatched to the scene. They worked tirelessly to bring the intense blaze under control. The heat was extreme, making their job challenging. The fire also spread to nearby vehicles. It even affected a law enforcement warehouse nearby. Firefighters closed surrounding roads to ensure public safety.
Rome prosecutors have launched a formal probe. They are investigating the cause of the explosion. Initial focus is on a potential gas leak. Authorities suspect the leak may have occurred during the unloading phase of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) at the station. LPG can be highly volatile. Incidents involving its storage or transfer require strict safety protocols. Investigators will examine whether these protocols were followed. They will seek to understand the sequence of events leading to the detonation.
Broader Reactions to the Incident
The devastating event drew reactions from prominent figures. Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for those affected. He noted the explosion happened “in the heart of my Diocese.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated she was closely monitoring developments. She expressed her closeness to all the injured, including first responders and health workers. Meloni also thanked those involved in the rescue and safety operations. The incident underscored the risks faced by communities living near fuel storage facilities. It also highlighted the bravery of emergency personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the gas station in Rome?
A significant explosion occurred at a petrol and LPG gas station in southeastern Rome on the morning of Friday, July 4, 2025. The blast, which was reportedly preceded by a gas leak, was heard across the city and caused widespread damage and injuries in the immediate vicinity. Emergency services, including police and firefighters, had responded to the initial leak report before two subsequent, powerful explosions took place.
How many people were injured in the Rome gas station explosion?
At least 25 people were injured in the incident. This total included 16 residents from the surrounding area, two of whom sustained severe injuries and were hospitalized. Additionally, nine first responders, comprising police officers, Carabinieri, and a firefighter, were also hurt. Thankfully, none of the injuries to the first responders were life-threatening according to initial reports.
What was the suspected cause of the gas station explosion and subsequent fire?
Rome prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Early indications suggest the incident may be related to a gas leak. The suspected leak could have happened during the unloading phase of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) at the station. The investigation will aim to confirm the cause and determine if any safety procedures were breached leading up to the blast.
Conclusion
The gas station explosion in Rome represents a serious incident. It resulted in numerous injuries and significant local impact. The swift action by police to evacuate nearby areas prevented potentially tragic outcomes. The investigation into the exact cause is ongoing. This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with fuel facilities. The community now focuses on recovery and understanding how such an event occurred. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
