Explosion at Rome gas station leaves 21 injured

It was 8am on Friday when the first explosion occurred at a fuel and LPG pump on Via dei Gordianiem in Rome. Shortly afterwards there was another explosion. At least 21 people were injured, three with serious injuries, reports the newspaper La Repubblica .

According to the newspaper Roma Today , the incident occurred during LPG refueling, causing an initial explosion that the Italian news agency Ansa says was caused by a pipe coming loose from a tank, causing a fire. When firefighters arrived at the scene, a truck crashed into the structure, causing a second explosion that damaged nearby buildings. The Italian Public Prosecutor's Office is awaiting reports from the firefighters to determine the cause.

The injured included police officers, paramedics and firefighters, with one having to be taken to hospital. Several residents were also hit, with 40 people being rescued. None of those involved are in danger of dying.

Videos and photos of the explosion and the moments afterward are being shared on social media.

????????????MASSIVE EXPLOSION RIPS THROUGH ROME GAS STATION

A huge fireball erupted after a truck hit a pipeline at a fuel station, triggering a powerful explosion.

The blast injured at least 10 people – including police, firefighters, and paramedics who were already on the scene.… pic.twitter.com/BJDLPzcRe1

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 4, 2025

After emergency services arrived at the scene, the city's emergency plan was activated, with a medical post being set up to support the injured. A nearby holiday camp was evacuated, with 15 children.

Explosion of benzine pomp in the Centocelle zone #Roma pic.twitter.com/ZGqJuUf4N0

— Oltre Stretto (@zancle78) July 4, 2025

Reports published on social media and in the Italian press say that the explosions were heard throughout the Italian capital, with the Teano metro station, the closest to the scene, being closed.

The mayor has asked people not to approach the area and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni is monitoring the situation. Pope Leo XIV is also monitoring the “tragic accident”.

Prego per le persone coinvolte nell'esplosione di un distributore di benzina, avvenuta questa mattina nel quartiere Prenestino Labicano nel cuore della mia Diocesi. I continue to follow with learning about this tragic incident.

— Pope Leone XIV (@Pontifex_it) July 4, 2025

I continue to watch out for the explosion that came this morning in a benzene distributor in the Prenestino quartiere, in Rome.

I feel the Sindaco di Roma, Roberto Gualtieri, and remain in constant contact with the General Secretary Alfredo Mantovano and the authoritative…

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) July 4, 2025

Text edited by Dulce Neto