Tragedy in Calenzano: Explosion at ENI depot causes 2 deaths and injuries.

A serious accident occurred this morning at the ENI depot in Calenzano, near Florence, causing two deaths, nine injuries and three missing. The explosion, which shook the entire surrounding area, was caused by the loss of liquid during the refilling of tankers. The workers involved, aged between 45 and 62, were engaged in the usual fuel supply activities when the tragedy occurred.

The explosion and the rescue intervention

The accident occurred around 10:22 in a specific area of ​​the depot designated for loading tankers. The explosion was accompanied by a fire that generated a column of smoke visible even from neighboring municipalities. The Fire Department, who intervened promptly, managed to put out the flames, preventing them from spreading to nearby depots, which contained large quantities of fuel. This prevented further damage and victims.

According to the president of the Tuscany Region Eugenio Giani, the situation is now under control. However, the area has been placed under sequestration to allow investigators to conduct a detailed investigation into the causes of the explosion.

The death toll

The first victim identified is Vincenzo Martinelli, a 51-year-old tanker driver living in Prato. The other workers involved are still being identified. Among the injured, three are hospitalized in critical condition: two of them were transferred to the burns center in Pisa for specialized treatment. The other injured, who have less severe trauma, have been distributed to the hospitals in Florence and Prato for treatment and checks.

The testimonials

The explosion was described as devastating by workers from nearby businesses. “We heard a huge bang, windows shattered and everything collapsed around us,” one witness said. A delivery driver said his van was lifted off the ground by the shock wave. “It sounded like thunder had passed through us,” said one of the injured, still shaken by the experience.

Impact on the surrounding area

The explosion also had a significant impact on local traffic and businesses. The Calenzano exit of the A1 motorway was temporarily closed, as were some railway lines between Florence, Bologna and Prato. Traffic gradually resumed in the afternoon, but with slowdowns and limitations. In addition, the Municipality ordered the precautionary evacuation of 15 businesses near the depot, in addition to the temporary closure of a swimming pool and a sports hall located nearby.

Although strong winds helped disperse the smoke, technicians from the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Tuscany (ARPAT) were mobilized to monitor air quality. At the moment, no significant risks to public health have been detected.

Institutional reactions and statements

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences for the victims and her closeness to the families affected, praising the work of the rescuers. The chief prosecutor of Prato, Luca Tescaroli, also announced the opening of a criminal investigation to ascertain any responsibilities. “The tankers were parked in the refueling bays at the time of the explosion,” Tescaroli said, highlighting the need to verify compliance with safety regulations.