Dramatic video shows the moment a petrol station exploded in Rome, sending a massive fireball and plume of smoke into the sky on Friday morning.
At least nine people have been injured in the blast, which occurred shortly after 8am local time and could be heard across the Italian capital, with flames and black smoke visible from several districts.
BREAKING: New video shows the moment of the gas depot explosion in Rome, Italy, injuring several police officers, firefighters and passer-by. pic.twitter.com/OuLYImVArD
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Among the injured were eight police officers and one firefighter, all of whom had rushed to the scene to assist following an initial alert. Authorities said the officers suffered burns in a series of secondary explosions but none are believed to be in a life-threatening condition.
“There were a few chain explosions after the first one,” said Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police. “All the policemen injured suffered burns, but they are not in danger of life.”
Luca Cari, a spokesperson for Italy’s fire service, confirmed one firefighter had also sustained injuries but said the condition was not serious. Ten fire crews were deployed to tackle the blaze and secure the site.
The explosion ripped through the service station and prompted fears that people may be trapped or injured in neighbouring buildings. Emergency services continued to search the area into the morning.
There has been no immediate confirmation on the cause of the explosion. An investigation is now under way.
