A powerful explosion in southwest Rome caused the collapse of two buildings and left at least two people seriously injured, prompting a major emergency response.
The blast occurred at around 1pm on Sunday in the Piana del Sole area of the capital, between Via Tavagnasco and Via Castellinaldo. The neighbourhood lies on the southwestern outskirts of Rome.
According to initial reports, the explosion is believed to have been caused by an LPG gas cylinder, although authorities said the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.
The force of the blast caused two buildings to collapse completely, while several nearby structures sustained varying degrees of damage. Debris struck parked vehicles and shattered windows in surrounding homes. Reports indicate that at least four or five additional buildings were affected.
Witnesses described a loud explosion followed by clouds of dust and rubble. One person at the scene said they saw a woman lying on the ground and trembling immediately after the blast.
Elderly victims pulled from rubble
Emergency crews confirmed that at least two elderly residents were seriously injured. Both were rescued from the debris and transported to hospital in critical condition. Search and rescue teams continued to check the rubble for additional victims, as the buildings were believed to have been occupied at the time of the explosion.
Firefighters, ambulance crews, police and Carabinieri were deployed, along with specialist urban search-and-rescue units and sniffer dogs trained to locate people trapped under collapsed structures.
Investigation under way
Authorities said the explosion in Rome destroyed most of the walls of the affected buildings, with the shockwave felt across the surrounding area.
Investigators are examining the remains of the structures and interviewing residents as they work to determine the exact cause. The leading hypothesis remains a gas cylinder explosion inside one of the apartments, though officials said further technical analysis is required.
