A liquefied-petroleum-gas (LPG) service station on Via dei Gordiani in Rome’s Prenestino-Centocelle district was devastated by two explosions shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday. The blasts sent a fireball and a plume of smoke high over the Italian capital and shattered windows across several neighbourhoods. Health authorities said 45 people were injured, including 24 residents caught by flying glass and debris, 12 police officers and six firefighters who were already on the scene after an initial fire alarm, and three paramedics. Two victims suffered severe burns and remain on life support, while several others were listed in serious condition in Rome hospitals. Preliminary findings indicate the accident began when a tanker truck unloading LPG either struck or detached a pipeline, causing a gas leak that ignited. Investigators believe a smaller first blast was followed moments later by a much larger explosion that engulfed the forecourt and rescue vehicles. Prosecutors have opened a negligence inquiry, and the truck driver, himself hospitalised with burns, is among those under investigation. Ten fire-brigade teams, police and civil-protection units evacuated nearby homes, a sports centre and the Teano metro station. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said the swift evacuation averted a heavier toll, noting that dozens of children had been cleared from the sports facility minutes earlier. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged federal support, while health officials urged residents to keep windows closed until air-quality checks are completed.