Smoke billows into the air after an explosion at the ENI facility in Calenzano, near Florence, Italy, on December 9, 2024.
Rome:
Local authorities have confirmed that at least two people were killed and four remain missing after an explosion at a gas refinery near Florence, Italy, on Monday.
Nine others were injured in the blast at the facility, which is operated by Eni, one of Italy’s largest energy companies.
The fire caused by the explosion has since been brought under control, according to the municipality of Calenzano.
“Eni has confirmed that a fire broke out this morning at the fuel depot in Calenzano,” the company said in a statement, adding that the fire was contained to a loading area and did “not impact the tank farm.”
Later, Eni expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and those affected by the accident. The company is working closely with authorities to investigate the cause of the explosion.
The regional Department of Civil Protection issued a warning for the area within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of the explosion, advising residents to “keep windows closed and avoid the area.”
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Regional president Eugenio Giani expressed his grief on Telegram, stating, “All of Tuscany is united in sorrow for the tragedy in Calenzano today.”
The local municipality has declared two days of mourning on Monday and Tuesday.
