Authorities are investigating the cause while offering support to affected families.
Explosion at Florence Fuel Depot Results in Fatalities and Injuries
Explosion at Florence Fuel Depot Results in Fatalities and Injuries
A devastating explosion in Calenzano leads to two confirmed deaths and nine injuries, with ongoing rescue efforts.
At least two individuals have lost their lives and nine others have been injured following a significant explosion at a fuel depot on the outskirts of Florence on Monday. The incident took place around 10:20 a.m. in Calenzano, with early reports indicating that three workers remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.
Images from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters hurried to control the situation. ENI, the Italian company that oversees the depot, emphasized in a public statement that the blast was limited to a loading area, and thankfully, the fire did not extend to adjacent fuel tanks.
In response to the explosion, Italy’s Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, reported that first responders were dispatched immediately. Local healthcare facilities were put on high alert to accommodate any potential surge in casualties. Firefighting teams from Florence and neighboring areas, along with crews from nearby airports, swiftly extinguished the flames, according to spokesperson Luca Cari.
As a precaution, the national civil protection agency sent an SMS alert to residents living within a three-mile radius, advising them to stay indoors and avoid the vicinity of the fuel depot. Officials in Calenzano also recommended that citizens close their windows and minimize outdoor activities for safety reasons.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro, expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, announcing two days of mourning and the cancellation of all municipal events during that time. She underscored the importance of extending support to those affected, stating, “In these moments, we must think of the families who are the first to be affected; we have to be close to them.”
Luca Tescaroli, the chief prosecutor of the nearby city of Prato, confirmed that an investigation into the explosion's causes will be initiated, exploring any potential accountability for the incident. Recovery efforts are currently underway, while the community grapples with the impact of this tragic event.
Images from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters hurried to control the situation. ENI, the Italian company that oversees the depot, emphasized in a public statement that the blast was limited to a loading area, and thankfully, the fire did not extend to adjacent fuel tanks.
In response to the explosion, Italy’s Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, reported that first responders were dispatched immediately. Local healthcare facilities were put on high alert to accommodate any potential surge in casualties. Firefighting teams from Florence and neighboring areas, along with crews from nearby airports, swiftly extinguished the flames, according to spokesperson Luca Cari.
As a precaution, the national civil protection agency sent an SMS alert to residents living within a three-mile radius, advising them to stay indoors and avoid the vicinity of the fuel depot. Officials in Calenzano also recommended that citizens close their windows and minimize outdoor activities for safety reasons.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro, expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, announcing two days of mourning and the cancellation of all municipal events during that time. She underscored the importance of extending support to those affected, stating, “In these moments, we must think of the families who are the first to be affected; we have to be close to them.”
Luca Tescaroli, the chief prosecutor of the nearby city of Prato, confirmed that an investigation into the explosion's causes will be initiated, exploring any potential accountability for the incident. Recovery efforts are currently underway, while the community grapples with the impact of this tragic event.
