In the Italian municipality of Calenzano, near Florence, at least two people have died following an explosion at an oil depot. Twenty-six people were injured, including two seriously, and three remain missing.
The explosion led to a fire at an oil depot owned by the Italian energy company Eni, which has since been extinguished. The cause of the explosion is still unknown.
Mayor Giuseppe Carovani of Calenzano declared two days of mourning, describing the situation as dramatic. Nine injured individuals were transported to hospitals while 17 others sought medical attention on their own, with injuries such as burns, respiratory issues, and debris wounds.
Residents of various parts of the Florence province heard a loud bang in the morning, and images of thick black smoke circulated on social media. Eni, one of Europe’s largest fuel suppliers, expressed condolences to victims and families.
The deceased and missing are believed to be workers at the depot, and unions have called for a nationwide four-hour strike on December 11, condemning the incident as unacceptable. Italian police are investigating the explosion, with Eni fully cooperating.
Source: NOS