At least one person has died after an explosion rocked a two-storey building in an Italian town. The two storey building collapsed in Porto Sant’Elpidio, a coastal town in the province of Fermo, shortly before 6am local time this morning.
A 55-year-old man who lived with his parents was killed in the explosion. Vigili del Fuoco, Italy’s fire and rescue service, reported that his “lifeless body” was recovered, while his elderly parents were taken to separate hospitals for treatment. Searches are now underway to locate a missing woman whilst a teenager was rescued from the rubble.
Firefighters, using a ladder truck, also evacuated two people living in the building adjacent to the collapsed one.
According to local reports, two families lived in the collapsed building on Via Trentino, the explosion is believed to have occurred in the second-floor apartment.
Horrific images from the scene show the explosion completely destroyed the building and blew out windows in nearby shops and buildings within several hundred metres.
Firefighters are now searching for any bodies left trapped under the rubble, using the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team, drones, dogs, and excavators are being utilised.
Initial reports suggest the deadly explosion was caused by a gas leak. An adjacent building to the one that exploded is being investigated.
Thanking the emergency services the mayor of Porto Sant’Elpidio, Massimo Ciarpella, called the incident a “terrible day” for their town.
He said: “This morning at dawn a very violent explosion destroyed a building in Via Trentino. Unfortunately there is a victim and the search is underway for a person who is currently missing. Three injured were extracted from the rubble and transported to hospitals in Torrette and Fermo.
“Thank you to the Firefighters, Rescue 118, all law enforcement, our local Police and authorities who have been working non stop since 5am this morning. It’s a terrible day for our town. Will keep you updated.”
