Tragic Explosion at Eni Fuel Depot in Italy Claims Lives
A devastating explosion at an Eni fuel depot in Calenzano, Tuscany, has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least four individuals, with one person still reported missing. The incident occurred on Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting immediate emergency responses. Eyewitnesses described the explosion as sounding "like a bomb," with reports of a significant pressure wave that shattered windows and caused panic among residents in the vicinity.
The explosion has left nine others injured, with three of them in critical condition due to severe burns and blunt-force trauma. The victims, aged between 45 and 62, included a 45-year-old man of German origin who held Italian citizenship. The search for the missing worker continues as authorities conduct investigations into the cause of the explosion, which is believed to have been triggered by a spill during the refueling of tanker trucks.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
Firefighting operations have been ongoing at the site, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky hours after the blast. The Tuscan regional president, Eugenio Giani, has been actively updating the public through social media, sharing images and information about the incident. Local authorities have advised residents within a five-kilometer radius to remain indoors and close their windows due to potential health risks from the smoke.
The public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the explosion. Initial reports suggest that the fire was confined to a loading area of the depot, with no immediate danger to the rest of the facility. This incident follows a series of industrial accidents in Italy, raising concerns about safety protocols in such facilities.
