A huge explosion rocked Rome, Italy this morning at about 8am local time, leaving at least 21 injured, according to reports. The incident is believed to have occurred at a gas distributor in Via dei Gordiani, in Prenestino. Local media reports that police, a firefighter and paramedic are among the injured. The explosion is believed to have occurred next to a school, and there are fears that residents may be hurt.

Rai Radio1 described a “loud explosion” that was heard in many neighborhoods, and added that a tall column of smoke is visible from various parts of the city. @pasafab said on X: “Crazy explosion in Rome, between Quadraro and Centocelle. I saw a huge flame and the whole house shook.”

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