June 6, 2026, 8:44 p.mJune 6, 2026, 8:44 p.m
A gas leak could possibly have led to the disaster.Image: Vigili del Fuoco
Three people were killed in an explosion in a residential building in the central Italian Adriatic town of Porto Sant’Elpidio on Saturday. Two other residents were injured. According to initial findings, a gas leak or the explosion of a gas bottle could have caused the accident.
The detonation occurred in a two-story building with an attic. The pressure wave caused parts of the roof and attic to collapse.
A neighboring building was also damaged and several apartments had to be evacuated. The fatalities include a 47-year-old man and an 89-year-old woman. A 60-year-old resident of the house was rescued from the rubble with serious injuries, but later died of his serious injuries and burns in a hospital in Ancona.
The 47-year-old’s parents, aged 70 and 89, were injured. According to the rescue workers, their lives were not in danger despite burns and other injuries. More than 60 firefighters were involved in the rescue work. Special units with search dogs, drones and excavators searched for missing people for hours.
The 89-year-old woman’s body was only discovered several hours later under the rubble of her bedroom, rescue units reported. Specialists began their investigation immediately after the accident.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her deep condolences to the relatives. Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani also expressed his condolences. (sda/apa)