A large explosion rocked Milan, in northern Italy setting several vehicles alight in the city centre on Thursday morning, May 11.
The explosion reportedly came from a van. In footage captured by Italian news channel Sky TG24, several vehicles can be seen engulfed in flames, thick plumes of smoke were seen rising above the wreckage of the motorcades.
The blast occurred in Via Pier Lombardo at approximately 11.30am local time with a large cloud of black smoke visible from across the city.
According to the Italian daily La Repubblica, the vehicle was carrying oxygen cylinders which exploded.
Several cars parked in line were caught ablaze in what is being described as the ‘domino explosions.’
Vehicles were seen catching fire instantly as large flames rose above the wreckage on the scene.
Mr Sala ruled out foul play and confirmed that no-one had died in the incident.
The blast occurred in Via Pier Lombardo at approximately 11.30am local time with a large cloud of black smoke visible from across the city.
The explosion occurred from a parked van which was carrying oxygen cannisters, the city’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala said.
Mr Sala ruled out foul play and confirmed that no-one had died in the incident.
The mayor added that the driver of the van had told the fire brigade that the blaze had started in his engine, adding: ‘He quickly grabbed the oxygen cylinders he was carrying. He tried to limit the damage but then there was an explosion.’
The van was parked on the corner of the street and sparked a chain reaction setting five vehicles ablaze, according to reports.
He added that the driver had sustained only light injuries. The fire also spread to a nearby pharmacy and apartment building.
According to reports, a nearby school, the Istituto Suore Mantellate, and a residential building were evacuated following the blast.
The firefighters responded to contain the fire. The entire area was cordoned off by police for the safety of the passersby.
The van was reportedly destined for the nearby Italian Auxological Institute and the eyewitnesses said that they saw cylinders catch fire which led to a massive and violent explosion.
As many as four people have been injured in the blast, local reports suggest. There were no reports of any deaths.
