SEVERAL VEHICLES SET ABLAZE AFTER AN EXPLOSION IN MILAN’S CENTER (VIDEO)

Thu 11 May 2023:

Several vehicles caught fire in the centre of Milan in northern Italy on Thursday following an explosion, injuring one person, the fire brigade said. There were no reports of any deaths.

Italian media said the explosion was suspected to have originated in a van transporting oxygen gas canisters.

SkyTG24 television broadcast footage from Milan’s Porta Romana neighborhood, showing high plumes of black smoke and firefighters on the scene.

Several vehicles set ablaze after an explosion in Milan's center. pic.twitter.com/djAs904o60

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) May 11, 2023

Corriere della Sera newspaper said a primary school and a residential building had been evacuated.

Italian daily La Repubblica reported the vehicle was carrying oxygen cylinders when it exploded, triggering “domino explosions”.

Several vehicles became engulfed in flames, and plumes of thick black smoke were seen rising above the wreckage.

At least five cars and four mopeds were alight, with the blaze scorching the facades of buildings on the street – including apartments and a pharmacy, according to the newspaper.

A nearby school and nursing home were evacuated.

The city’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, ruled out foul play and said the driver of the van had told the fire brigade the blaze had started in the engine.

“He quickly grabbed the oxygen cylinders he was carrying… he tried to limit the damage but then there was an explosion,” the mayor said.

He added the van driver had suffered minor injuries.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

TWITTER (CLICK HERE)
https://twitter.com/IpIndependent