In brief
At least two individuals were killed and another nine wounded following an explosion at a fuel depot near Florence, Italy, on Monday morning, according to reports from city officials and the depot's managing company. The incident, which occurred around 10:20 a.m., created a significant plume of smoke and prompted urgent emergency responses. The Italian energy firm ENI, which operates the depot, confirmed that the explosion was limited to a specific loading area, ensuring that the blaze did not spread to nearby fuel tanks.
Search efforts remain underway for three employees still unaccounted for. Local hospitals were promptly placed on high alert as rescue teams from Florence and neighboring towns converged to offer assistance. Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian firefighters, noted the rapid response which helped contain the fire under challenging circumstances.In an effort to safeguard the community, Italy’s national civil protection agency sent out SMS alerts advising residents within a three-mile radius to stay indoors. This precaution was echoed by local officials in Calenzano, who encouraged citizens to close their windows and minimize outdoor activity. The mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro, characterized the event as "very, very bad" and emphasized the city’s commitment to provide psychological support for affected families.As investigations commence, Luca Tescaroli, the chief prosecutor of Prato, announced that his office would pursue inquiries into the explosion’s causes and any potential accountability. In response to the tragedy, two days of mourning have been declared for Monday and Tuesday, with the cancellation of all municipal events during this period. Elisabetta Povoledo is a seasoned reporter based in Rome, specializing in coverage of Italy, the Vatican, and regional culture, with over 35 years of journalism experience.
