Rome: An explosion at a gas station in southeastern Rome has resulted in injuries to at least 50 people, as reported by Italian news agency RAI. The incident, which occurred on Friday, also left two individuals in critical condition. The explosion has prompted an immediate response from emergency services and local authorities.

According to Anadolu Agency, the explosion is believed to have been caused by an accident during the unloading of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Roberto Massucci, the police commissioner of Rome, described the fire as "serious." Ennio Aquilino, the regional fire chief of Lazio, stated that the explosion was due to a malfunction.

The explosion caused damage to several nearby buildings and led to a fire that spread to a judicial warehouse located behind the gas station. As a precautionary measure, approximately 200 people were evacuated from the vicinity.

Firefighters were already present at the scene, tending to a separate fire, when the explosion occurred. Their immediate presence helped in managing the situation and coordinating the evacuation and rescue operations.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed her concern over the incident. In a message posted on X, she stated that she is monitoring the situation closely while maintaining contact with relevant authorities. She extended her solidarity to all those injured, including police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel, and expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue and safety operations.