In central Milan, a powerful explosion occurred on Thursday morning, injuring one person and causing widespread disruption. Early indications point to a truck transporting oxygen cylinders as the source, with authorities noting there was no immediate sign of deliberate action. Eyewitnesses reported that one of the cylinders may have ignited before the blast, igniting a fire that spread across several nearby vehicles. This sequence of events was recounted by regional reporters and local outlets, including Il Corriere della Sera, as the situation developed and emergency crews arrived on the scene.
The blast hit a busy part of the city, prompting emergency responders to secure the area and assess structural damage to nearby buildings. The incident triggered a coordinated response that included evacuations of multiple buildings in the vicinity as a precautionary measure for the safety of residents and workers. Authorities explained that the risk from smoke and fumes necessitated protective actions, leading to the temporary evacuation of a nearby school and a nearby kindergarten, both of which were relocated without incident to ensure the wellbeing of students and staff.
Photographs and video circulated showing the aftermath, with emergency personnel and vehicles lining the streets and several structures visibly damaged. The event also prompted a post-incident assessment of the surrounding infrastructure to determine any additional hazards and to map out potential routes for residents to seek shelter if needed. A local police commander and investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office were seen on-site, coordinating with municipal leaders to manage the investigation and public communications. One official, when questioned by reporters, stressed that there was no indication of an intentional attack at this stage of the inquiry.
Reports indicated that the first responders quickly established a perimeter and began a careful check for remaining fire hazards. Fire crews worked to bring the blaze under control in a little over 30 minutes, conducting rapid inspections of adjacent buildings and ensuring that fire suppression systems functioned correctly. The incident prompted a broader review of safety protocols for transport of hazardous materials through commercial districts and raised questions about the safeguards in place for oxygen cylinder shipments in urban settings.
Early identification confirmed the victim as a minibus driver who sustained minor burns. The fire department stated that the individual’s life was not in immediate danger, and medical personnel provided on-site care before transport to a medical facility for continued evaluation. As the investigation progresses, authorities will determine the exact sequence of events that led to the explosion and assess any contributing factors related to the cargo and the route taken by the transport vehicle.
With responders continuing to monitor the area for any rekindling or secondary hazards, officials emphasized that the situation is under control and that there is no ongoing threat to nearby residents. The decision to maintain a visible security presence and to coordinate with the Prosecutor’s Office reflects the seriousness with which Milan authorities are approaching the incident. Ongoing inquiries will include interviews with witnesses, a review of surveillance footage, and a thorough analysis of the vehicle’s load and maintenance history to establish a clear timeline of events. The city is committed to transparent communication as more information becomes available and as the investigation progresses to determine if any regulations or procedures require reinforcement to prevent a recurrence.