Three individuals have been promptly taken to the hospital following an explosion that devastated three residential blocks in a major urban center. Many others were evacuated after a powerful blast ripped through Piana del Sole, a residential area in Rome, Italy, resulting in the collapse of three buildings.
The explosion, believed to have been triggered by gas cylinders buried in a property’s backyard, led to severe damage. The homeowners were among those injured and transported to the nearby Sant’Eugenio Hospital. An elderly married couple, Michele De Bari, 84, and Chiara De Bari, 86, sustained critical injuries with 20% burns, while a 24-year-old man was also rescued from the debris and taken to the hospital for assessment.
The impact of the explosion was substantial, with debris scattered over several hundred meters and significant structural damage evident in the area. Approximately 70 residents were forced to evacuate, with five apartment buildings affected in total. Witnesses described the harrowing scene, with one local recounting how their property and surrounding structures were severely damaged by the force of the blast.
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed concern for the injured and commended the emergency responders for their swift action. He acknowledged the extensive damage caused by the explosion and emphasized the need to investigate the incident thoroughly. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause, with initial assessments pointing to a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder as a possible source.
The Mayor highlighted the significant impact on neighboring buildings, some of which may be deemed uninhabitable, necessitating further assessments and potential relocations. Efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to those affected by the tragic event.
