The explosion was heard across the Italian capital shortly after 8am and sent up a huge cloud of dark smoke and fire that was visible from several areas of the city.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said that local police and firefighters rushed to the area after receiving a report of a gas leak. Two explosions followed after they arrived, he added.

Other residents said the explosion was so loud and violent it struck nearby buildings “like an earthquake,” breaking windows and ripping off shutters.

Pope Leo XIV said that he was praying for those affected by the explosion, which happened “in the heart of my Diocese.”

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely following the developments.

“Thanks to the rapidity and expertise shown in the first intervention to secure and close the affected area, and the speed of the rescue, it was possible to prevent this tragic event from having even more serious consequences,” Meloni said.