A gas cylinder explosion in the Piana del Sole district of Rome on Sunday resulted in significant damage, collapsing one building and affecting two others.
The blast injured an elderly couple, who were taken to Sant’Eugenio Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, emergency responders reported that no additional victims were found beneath the debris.
Approximately 70 residents were evacuated as a precaution. The explosion also caused damage to several parked vehicles in the vicinity.
“The explosion was truly powerful, completely destroying a small house and damaging surrounding buildings. We are assessing how many people will need housing assistance,” said Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
Initial assessments indicate that the affected buildings were relatively new, constructed about seven years ago to modern standards. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, which is preliminarily linked to a gas leak.
A gas explosion in Rome's Piana del Sole district led to the collapse of a building and injuries to two individuals. Around 70 residents were evacuated as investigations into the cause, suspected to be a gas leak, are underway.