Bomb blast at a petrol station in Rome leaves 45 casualties
In a shocking incident that rocked the Italian capital on July 4th, a gas station explosion occurred at a sports center in Rome, causing significant damage and injuring 45 individuals. The blast, which occurred early in the morning, was the result of a gas leak during refueling that led to a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE).
The incident took place around 7:30 or 7:40 am, as confirmed by Fabio Balzani, the sports center director. Ennio Aquilino, the regional director of the fire department, explained that the explosion was caused by a boil-over, a phenomenon that occurs when a container holding liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas or LPG, is heated or compromised, leading to a rapid transformation from liquid to gas state.
The sports center was the site of a summer camp and pool reservations on the day of the explosion, with approximately 60 children expected for a summer camp and around 120 people having reserved the pool. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, and only two people were hospitalized for burns and smoke inhalation, with their lives not being in danger.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the sports center, leaving it resembling a "battlefield" according to Mr. Balzani. Nearby buildings, including a school, also sustained significant damage. Among the injured are 21 emergency workers, including 12 law enforcement officers and six firefighters. The roof of an ambulance was even reported to have flown several meters away from the explosion site.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely monitoring the aftermath of the explosion and is in contact with all the involved authorities, including the mayor of Rome. An investigation by the Rome prosecutor's office and the fire department is necessary to determine the exact causes of the accident.
To prevent such incidents in the future, it's crucial to follow safety precautions such as proper ventilation and leak detection, avoiding direct water application on hydrocarbon fires, implementing emergency response and evacuation protocols, and providing training and awareness to staff and emergency responders.
The police established a perimeter around the neighborhood to allow firefighters to work and evacuated the two buildings closest to the explosion. The danger of boil-overs is heightened when water is sprayed directly onto breached or heated tanks containing petroleum products. Instead, firefighting guidelines recommend using foam (regular or alcohol-resistant foam), dry chemical, or CO2 extinguishers depending on the fuel type.
As the investigation continues, the community in Rome is left to reflect on the potential disaster that was averted, and the importance of adhering to safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident on July 4th, a gas station explosion at a sports center in Rome, is not just a car-accident or a general-news event; it's also tied to politics as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni closely monitors the aftermath and communicates with involved authorities. The explosion has caused accidents, including injuries to 45 individuals and damage to nearby buildings, and it was a result of a boil-over, a phenomenon similar to Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE). Despite the extensive damage and injuries, there were no fatalities, but two people were hospitalized for burns and smoke inhalation. The investigation by the Rome prosecutor's office and the fire department will determine the exact causes of the accident, and it emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety measures, particularly in preventing such fires caused by boil-overs.
