Gas Station Explosion in Rome Injures Nine, Including Police

Rome, Jul 4 (AP) - In the early hours of Friday, a gas station in the southeastern part of Rome erupted in an explosion, resulting in injuries to at least nine individuals, including eight police officers and a firefighter, as reported by police and rescuers.

The powerful blast, which occurred shortly after 8 a.m., resonated throughout the Italian capital, causing a massive plume of dark smoke and flames that could be seen from various parts of the city.

Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police, stated that the police officers sustained injuries upon arriving to conduct rescue operations.

"There were successive explosions following the initial one," Accardo conveyed to Italian state broadcaster RAI, adding, "All the injured officers suffered burns, but none are in life-threatening condition."

Fire department spokesperson Luca Cari mentioned that one firefighter was also hurt in the incident but noted the injuries were "not serious."

He confirmed that ten teams were present on the scene.

Authorities are conducting thorough checks throughout the vicinity for additional individuals who may have been injured or trapped in nearby structures.

Currently, there is no clear indication of what triggered the explosion.

(AP) PY PY

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