Explosion at Rome LPG Station Injures 21, PM Meloni Offers Support

Incident Overview

On Friday morning, an explosion at a petrol and LPG station in the Centocelle district of southeast Rome resulted in injuries to at least 21 individuals. The blast, which occurred around 8:20 AM, caused extensive damage to surrounding buildings and vehicles. Initial reports suggest that a technical malfunction during a refueling operation triggered the explosion. Among the injured, five people were hospitalized with minor burns and injuries from shattered glass, including eight police officers, a firefighter, and an emergency responder who all suffered burns.

Eyewitness Accounts

Witnesses described the explosion as so powerful that it could be heard throughout the city, accompanied by a large plume of smoke. Some residents likened the force of the blast to an earthquake shockwave, noting a series of subsequent explosions that affected nearby structures. The fire also spread to a law enforcement storage facility located behind the explosion site.

Emergency Response

Firefighters are currently working to extinguish the blaze, which is being complicated by a heatwave affecting Rome. The area has been cordoned off to facilitate emergency operations. Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, confirmed that local police and firefighters were already on-site responding to a reported gas leak when two additional explosions occurred shortly after their arrival.

Official Statements

"There were several chain explosions following the initial blast. All injured police officers have sustained burns, but their lives are not in danger," stated a spokesperson for the Roman police, as reported by a news outlet.

PM Meloni's Response

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her concern regarding the explosion's aftermath. She conveyed her solidarity with the victims and assured them of support. In a message on social media, she stated, "I am closely monitoring the consequences of the explosion that occurred this morning at a gas station in the Prenestino neighborhood, in Rome. I have communicated with Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and remain in constant contact with Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano and the relevant authorities to keep track of the situation's developments. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those involved in rescue and safety operations."

Social Media Update

Seguo con attenzione le conseguenze dell’esplosione avvenuta questa mattina in un distributore di benzina nel quartiere Prenestino, a Roma.

Ho sentito il sindaco di Roma, Roberto Gualtieri, e resto in costante contatto con il Sottosegretario Alfredo Mantovano e le autorità…

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) July 4, 2025