Black column of smoke over Rome: explosion claimed one dead

Seven of them suffered severe burns, the rescue units said. Several people were taken to the hospital with breathing difficulties. Numerous fire brigade teams with fire engines, ambulances and police forces were deployed.

A column of black smoke could still be seen from a great distance in the Italian capital. The fire broke out in a building on the eastern outskirts of Rome, local media reported. The flames raged on seven of the eight floors of the house.

It is believed that the fire started from a car parked under the building, in front of which renovation work was underway. The flames from the car triggered the explosion of some gas cylinders at the site, spread to the scaffolding and reached the building. The police launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.