Rome explosion LIVE: Fireball erupts in Italian city with '21 injured'

26 mins ago11:44 Rebecca Robinson

Italian interior minsiter Matteo Piantedosi said: "I am in constant contact with the police chief and the head of the fire department to closely follow the developments related to the explosion that occurred this morning in Rome.

"I am monitoring with particular attention the conditions of the injured, especially those of the police officers and firefighters who intervened promptly to provide first aid.

"Their readiness, courage and sense of duty demonstrated in dealing with the emergency represent an extraordinary example of dedication to public service, which deserves respect and gratitude from everyone.

"The necessary checks are now underway for the remediation of the area."

44 mins ago11:26 Rebecca Robinson

The explosion destroyed a petrol station (Image: Getty)

Buildings nearby were also damaged. (Image: Getty)

60 mins ago11:10 Rebecca Robinson

Multiple explosions went off at a petrol station after a truck reportedly hit a gas pipe.

Police said blasts occurred while emergency services were at the scene, the sounds of which were reportedly heard across Rome.

The blasts caused a fire to break out and damaged several buildings nearby.

1 hour ago10:54 Rebecca Robinson

Pope Leo sent his prayers to hose affected by the explosion this morning, saying he was following the "tragic incident".

He said in a statement: "I pray for the people involved in the explosion of a gas station, which occurred this morning in the Prenestino Labicano neighbourhood in the heart of my diocese.

"I continue to follow the developments of this tragic incident with concern."

1 hour ago10:44 Rebecca Robinson

Firefighters rushed to the scene. (Image: Getty)

One firefighter suffered burns from the explosion. (Image: Getty)

2 hours ago10:34 Rebecca Robinson

2 hours ago10:24 Rebecca Robinson

Elisabetta Accardo, Rome Police spokesperson, said eight police officers were injured, all of whom sustained burns.

She said: "There were a few chain explosions after the first one. All the policemen injured suffered burns, but they are not in danger of life."

Fire department spokesperson Luca Cari added that one firefighter was injured, but "not seriously".

2 hours ago10:15 Rebecca Robinson

There have been multiple explosions this morning, with the first one going off just afer 8am local time.

After the initial blast, there were "a few chain explosions", according to Rome Police spokesperson Elisabetta Accardo.

2 hours ago09:59 Matthew Dooley

2 hours ago09:58 Adam Toms

Reports suggest that glass rained down on residents following the explosion.

Houses are said to have shook.

The area has been cordoned off.

2 hours ago09:53 Matthew Dooley

The explosion occured in South-east of Rome's centre. (Image: Google)

3 hours ago09:29 Adam Toms

Footage has shown the charred remains of the area hit by the explosion in Rome.

Residents reported feeling and seeing it across the city.

Emergency workers are thought to have been injured.

3 hours ago09:25 Adam Toms

Emergency services had been called after a truck hit a pipeline at the petrol station, reports suggest.

A firefighter, paramedic and police officers are believed to have been injured.

Local media added that the fire spread to a nearby depot, and the shockwave from the explosion damaged nearby buildings.

3 hours ago09:14 Adam Toms

More footage of the explosion in Rome shows the fireball engulfing an area next to a road.

Residents have seen smoke rising above the Italian capital.

It is thought more than 20 have been injured.

3 hours ago09:03 Adam Toms

The number of injured after the explosion has risen to 21, according to local media reports.

But no one is thought to be in serious condition.

Emergency workers are thought to be among the injured.

3 hours ago08:58 Adam Toms

Local police, firefighters and volunteers have evacuated 15 children, Roma Today reports.

These are believed to have been in a the summer center of Villa De Sanctis, located nearby.

Roads are closed as police have cordoned off the area.

3 hours ago08:52 Adam Toms

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement:

Giorgia Meloni has spoken out after the explosion. (Image: Getty)

3 hours ago08:48 Adam Toms

Another video has shown the explosion at a petrol station in Rome.

It sent a massive fireball metres up into the air, with locals reportedly having to flee their homes the Italian capital.

One resident said their house shook.

Rome: Petrol station explosion rocks Prenestino-Centocelle

4 hours ago08:31 Adam Toms

Eight police officers, a firefighter and an Ares 118 paramedic were injured in the explosion, Il Messaggero reports.

It is believed that firefighters had been called to assist with truck that had hit a pipeline and, when they arrived, there was an explosion, which also hit the paramedics, who were already on site.

At least 10 people have been injured overall, it is thought.

4 hours ago08:29 Adam Toms

The Vigili del Fuoco said in an update:

4 hours ago08:25 Adam Toms

A video purportedly showing the explosion in Rome shows a huge tower of flames rising above the city.

It is feared that there have been multiple injuries as a result of the incident.

Residents have reported seeing a large plume of smoke from multiple neighbourhoods.

4 hours ago08:20 Matthew Dooley

One resident awoke to the explosion, which they described to Italian outlet La Repubblica. 

They said: "I woke up with a start, I heard a very loud explosion, it sounded like a bomb."

Another local said: "All the windows shook, I thought it was an earthquake."

4 hours ago08:19 Adam Toms

@pasafab said on X that they saw a "huge flame" after a "crazy" explosion.

They added that their whole house shook.

@DM_Deluca posted: "Powerful explosion in Rome, heard in almost the entire city, while a huge column of smoke rises from Centocelle."

4 hours ago08:19 Matthew Dooley

4 hours ago08:16 Matthew Dooley