Explosion in Milan: several vehicles on fire

Milan. Several vehicles were on fire in downtown Milan after a heavy explosion. One person was injured, the fire department reported on Thursday. According to media reports, a pickup truck carrying oxygen bottles caught fire. At least one of them exploded, several vehicles in the area caught fire.

The driver of the small truck was able to get out of the car but injured his hand slightly, according to the fire department. There were therefore no other injuries.

Residents report heavy smoke

About ten vehicles parked on the affected street in Milan’s Porta Romana district in the south-east of the city caught fire. “I heard the explosion. I live here. I lost my motorcycle and my car which were on fire. I went into the building to get my cats but there was too much smoke,” the Ansa news agency quoted a local resident as saying.

Explosion in Milan: kindergarten and houses evacuated

Pictures and videos from the fire brigade showed how dense and black smoke rose into the sky, which was clearly visible from afar. Several firefighters were on duty. The Carabinieri were also there. The area around the affected roads was largely closed due to the ongoing operation.

How Italian media report, a kindergarten and residential buildings in a narrow street were evacuated. The evacuation of the children went without incident. Two apartments in a neighboring building and a pharmacy were also affected.

RND/dpa/AP