A violent explosion upset Rome this morning, causing a vast fire at a gas and fuel depot located on Via dei Gordiani in the southeastern area of the city. The explosion generated a dense column of smoke, visible from much of the city, and a loud roar was heard distinctly in many neighborhoods. The provisional toll speaks of at least 35 people injured, including a firefighter, eight police officers, and an EMS worker. Some of them were bruised during rescue operations, while other injured people were in the vicinity of the explosion, particularly on Romolo Balzani Street, a short walk from the accident site. Right there, some 40 residents were rescued after being trapped inside a building lapped by flames. Of the injured, five were transported to the hospital: three to Umberto I and two to St. John's. According to reports from the Ares 118 prehospital medical service, none of them are in serious condition: mostly minor burns and injuries caused by shattered glass. Numerous fire engines, ambulances, police patrols and carabinieri immediately responded to the scene. Operations to extinguish and secure the area are still ongoing. The causes of the accident are being investigated. According to initial reconstructions, there were two explosions, the second more powerful than the first. It appears that shortly before, an accident had been reported near the affected area: a truck allegedly hit a pipeline, although it is unclear at the moment whether there is a direct connection with what happened. Some citizens report having smelled a strong odor of gas even before the deflagration. The explosion also caused damage to some surrounding buildings, while flames reached a judicial warehouse located behind the gas station involved.