Massive explosion rocks the city of Milan setting several vehicles on fire

Several vehicles in the city centre of Milan were set on fire by a large explosion, as reported by the media. Videos shared by Sky TG24 show multiple vehicles engulfed in flames. The explosion occurred in Via Pier Lombardo, and a huge cloud of black smoke could be seen rising from the city. A nearby school called “Istituto Suore Mantellate” was evacuated following the blast.

Sky TG24 reports that the explosion occurred after a van caught fire in the city. Oxygen gas cylinders were present inside the vehicle, which exploded, resulting in several subsequent explosions. The van, which was parked on the corner of the street, sparked a series of reactions that caused five vehicles to catch fire.

An eyewitness said that the driver of the van was able to jump out of the vehicle in time after noticing that it had caught fire. As a result, he only suffered injuries to his hand and leg. A nearby apartment building and pharmacy also caught fire, and around five cars and four mopeds were set alight. The Porta Romana area of the city was cordoned off by the police before firefighters arrived at the scene.

The mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, ruled out any foul play and confirmed that no one was killed in the incident. “It’s a van carrying oxygen cylinders,” he said. Sala added that the driver only suffered minor injuries. The driver reported that the fire started in the engine of the van he was driving, and he quickly grabbed the oxygen cylinders he was carrying, attempting to limit the damage. However, an explosion occurred shortly afterward.

The firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze as thick clouds of black smoke rose into the sky. Fire service officer Carlo Cardinali said that oxygen cylinders were filled inside the van, but they are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion. At the moment, the driver is the only reported individual with injuries, and he suffered only light burns. A labourer working nearby reported hearing several big explosions and seeing people running while the whole street was on fire. The fire service footage shows a powerful blast that burned out a dozen parked cars, and many canisters were visible on the street amidst the remains of the destroyed vehicle.