An explosion at a gas refinery near Florence, Italy, on 9 December has resulted in the deaths of at least two people and left four others missing, while nine more have been injured.
The blast occurred at a facility owned by Eni in Calenzano, a town located about 18 miles from Florence. Emergency services responded promptly, with firefighters arriving at the scene by 10:30 a.m. local time. The explosion, which was heard from miles away, caused significant damage, and a plume of smoke was visible in the area.
The fire ignited by the explosion has since been brought under control, according to local authorities, although it initially spread through a loading-shelter area at the fuel depot. Eni confirmed that the fire did not affect the facility’s fuel storage tanks, and the company is currently investigating the cause and impact of the incident.
Authorities have warned residents within a 5-kilometer (3-mile) radius to stay indoors and avoid the area. A regional alert was issued, advising people to keep windows closed to minimize exposure to potentially hazardous fumes.
The explosion has left the local community in mourning. Regional President Eugenio Giani expressed the collective grief of Tuscany, while the local municipality of Calenzano declared two days of mourning.
