Two people have been killed and nine others injured after an explosion at an Eni oil storage facility near Florence, Italy. Local media reported that the loud explosion was heard from miles away, shortly after 10:00 local time.
At least two people have been killed and a further nine injured in the explosion, with the Calenzano government confirming three people are still missing.
According to initial findings, a cloud of fuel vapour exploded, causing the fire and the collapse of a building at the site, Monia Monni, regional minister for civil protection, told reporters.
The blaze, which produced a thick column of black smoke visible from a distance, prompted warnings for residents to stay away from the area and to seek shelter indoors. It was extinguished within an hour.
The explosion occurred in an area where trucks load fuel to be taken to petrol stations. Other depots nearby were not affected.
In a statement, Eni expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and others involved in the accident, and said it was fully cooperating with judicial authorities.
