At least two fatalities and nine injuries were reported following a significant explosion at a fuel depot in the outskirts of Florence, with fears the death toll may rise as some workers remain missing. Emergency services responded promptly, with firefighters and rescue teams managing to control the resulting fire. The Italian energy firm ENI, which operates the depot, confirmed the explosion's location and that it had been limited to a loading area. Civil protection officials urged local residents to stay inside and warned of precautionary measures. Two days of mourning have been declared in light of the tragedy.
Explosion at Florence Fuel Depot Claims Lives and Sparks Emergency Response
Explosion at Florence Fuel Depot Claims Lives and Sparks Emergency Response
A devastating explosion at a fuel depot near Florence leaves two dead and several injured, as officials investigate the cause.
On Monday morning, an explosion rocked a fuel depot located in Calenzano, just outside Florence, resulting in a chaotic scene as smoke poured from the site. According to city officials, at least two individuals lost their lives while nine others sustained injuries in the blast. The situation is still being assessed as three workers remain unaccounted for.
The blast occurred around 10:20 a.m., and images from local media displayed thick black smoke billowing from the facility. ENI, the Italian energy company responsible for the depot, indicated that the explosion was localized to a loading area and thankfully did not spread to the fuel tanks nearby.
In response to the disaster, Italy's Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, confirmed that emergency teams were mobilized quickly to assist with the aftermath, and local hospitals went on alert to manage potential casualties. Firefighters from nearby regions, along with units from local airports, efficiently extinguished the fire under challenging circumstances.
Officials from Calenzano advised residents living within a three-mile radius to remain indoors and refrain from outdoor activities. They also urged residents to close their windows to avoid inhaling smoke and possible toxins. In recognition of the lives lost, the mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro, announced two days of mourning for Monday and Tuesday, during which municipal events would be canceled. She emphasized the need to support the affected families during this tragic time.
Luca Tescaroli, chief prosecutor of Prato, declared that an investigation would be initiated to ascertain what led to the explosion and determine if negligence played a role.
As the community grapples with the impact of this tragic incident, thoughts and condolences are extended to the grieving families.
The blast occurred around 10:20 a.m., and images from local media displayed thick black smoke billowing from the facility. ENI, the Italian energy company responsible for the depot, indicated that the explosion was localized to a loading area and thankfully did not spread to the fuel tanks nearby.
In response to the disaster, Italy's Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, confirmed that emergency teams were mobilized quickly to assist with the aftermath, and local hospitals went on alert to manage potential casualties. Firefighters from nearby regions, along with units from local airports, efficiently extinguished the fire under challenging circumstances.
Officials from Calenzano advised residents living within a three-mile radius to remain indoors and refrain from outdoor activities. They also urged residents to close their windows to avoid inhaling smoke and possible toxins. In recognition of the lives lost, the mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro, announced two days of mourning for Monday and Tuesday, during which municipal events would be canceled. She emphasized the need to support the affected families during this tragic time.
Luca Tescaroli, chief prosecutor of Prato, declared that an investigation would be initiated to ascertain what led to the explosion and determine if negligence played a role.
As the community grapples with the impact of this tragic incident, thoughts and condolences are extended to the grieving families.
