At least two dead and nine injured after fuel depot blast near Florence
A fuel depot has exploded in the central Italian region of Tuscany, killing at least two people and injuring nine. The blast reportedly broke windows of homes in the surrounding area.
Monday 9 December 2024 13:16, UK
Two people have died and three are missing after an explosion at a fuel depot near Florence, authorities have said.
Nine people have also been injured in the blast - with an emergency alert sent to everyone living within 5km of the site.
The blast reportedly shattered windows of nearby homes.
Italian energy group Eni, which owns the site, said the fire broke out on Monday morning at a fuel depot in Calenzano.
"The fire brigade is working to put out the flames, which are confined to the loading shelter area and do not affect the tanks in any way," the firm added.
"The impacts and causes are being immediately verified. Updates will follow."
Tuscany president Eugenio Giani said the region is "united in grief for the tragedy", adding the fire was "quickly contained".
"The smoke rose significantly due to the temperature difference between the smoke and the atmosphere," he said.
According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, masks have been distributed due to an "acrid smell".
The paper also reports the local mayor, Giuseppe Carovani, said the incident "created a significant shock wave that shattered the windows of many homes".
"The situation is back under control," he added. "The indication is not to leave the house and keep the windows closed."
Some of the injured are also in a "worrying" condition, he said, especially two of them.
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Regional train services were also interrupted due to the smoke and local authorities said all scheduled events in the area for the rest of the day and for tomorrow are suspended.