**Gas Cylinder Explosion Rocks Residential Area in Rome**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Rome-Explosion-032226-6c193cc688774e678317932e48cb8d55.jpg)
A powerful explosion attributed to a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder struck a residential district in Rome on Sunday, March 22, 2026, leaving multiple individuals injured and causing significant structural damage. The incident took place around 1 p.m. local time in the Piana del Sole neighbourhood, leading to the collapse of two adjacent buildings.
According to reports from local media, two elderly residents, aged 84 and 86, sustained serious injuries in the explosion. Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes, with one woman being extracted from beneath a bathtub while the man was found trapped among fallen debris. Both were transported to Sant’Eugenio Hospital for urgent medical care.
Local authorities confirmed that the blast caused extensive damage to nearby properties, prompting the evacuation of around 70 individuals from the surrounding area. Fortunately, the residential structures involved were relatively new, being only seven years old, and had reportedly been in good condition prior to the explosion.
A resident of the area described the incident, stating, “We heard a deafening bang coming from the house across from ours. Debris struck everything — the large window, my son’s car, the gate — everything was destroyed.” He expressed relief that his family, including his wife and dog, had remained unharmed amidst the chaos.
Additional reports highlighted the widespread damage, with windows blown out and buildings shaken by the force of the explosion. Another nearby resident remarked that the blast “bent the windows in the house,” illustrating the near-miss that so many locals experienced.
Emergency services were swiftly deployed to the scene, including police, firefighters, and medical personnel. The local Civil Protection Department is working closely with law enforcement to provide housing assistance to those affected by the evacuation.
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his concern and support for the injured. “I want to extend my thoughts to the injured, wishing them a speedy recovery,” he stated. Gualtieri extended his gratitude towards emergency responders and assured the community that support would remain available as recovery efforts continued.
In a video shared on social media, the mayor visited the site, emphasizing that the city would do everything possible to assist families impacted by the disaster. “We will not leave them alone,” he said, echoing his commitment to ensuring that residents receive the necessary support in the aftermath of the incident.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, officials await further insights from technical experts regarding the circumstances leading to this tragic event. The local police and Civil Protection Department are collaborating to determine how such a catastrophic incident occurred in a neighbourhood characterised by relatively modern infrastructure.
Authorities are expected to release further statements as the investigation progresses, with many residents keen to understand how their community was so dramatically affected by the explosion. As recovery efforts continue, the local community remains on alert, grappling with the aftermath of a terrifying incident that has left lasting impacts on their lives.