The death toll from Monday’s explosion at an Eni fuel depot in Calenzano, near Florence, has risen to four. Early on Tuesday, the bodies of two additional victims were recovered, according to sources. One person remains unaccounted for, while nine others were injured in the blast.
Of the injured, three are in critical condition, described as ‘code red,’ suffering severe burns and blunt-force trauma, the local health authority reported. Initial investigations suggest the explosion was likely caused by a spill during tanker truck refuelling operations.
Authorities believe some liquid was accidentally spilled while the trucks were being filled, contributing to the devastating explosion.
Victims of the blast
One of the victims has been identified as Vincenzo Martinelli, a 51-year-old truck driver from Prato. Investigators believe the victims include employees of the Eni fuel depot, all of whom were tanker truck drivers.
The list of potential victims comprises a 57-year-old from Catania, a 62-year-old from Naples, a 49-year-old from Novara, a 45-year-old Italian born in Germany, and a 45-year-old from Matera.
Community and Union Response
In response to the tragedy, local chapters of Italy’s largest labour unions, CGIL, CISL, and UIL, have announced a four-hour provincial strike on 11 December.
They also plan to stage a protest in Calenzano to draw attention to the incident and demand improved safety measures.
President Sergio Mattarella contacted Tuscany Governor Eugenio Giani on Monday. According to Quirinale sources, the president also expressed gratitude to emergency responders for their professionalism in handling the crisis.
Governor Giani shared that Mattarella “expressed very humane words of solidarity and closeness to those affected by the grave incident and their families.”
The investigation into the cause of the explosion continues.
