A devastating gas explosion in Rome has left a Scottish tourist with severe burns, after the blast demolished a three-storey guesthouse in the Monteverde area.
The explosion, which occurred early yesterday morning around 8:30am, triggered an immediate response from firefighters who rushed to search for anyone trapped in the debris.
Victim Rescued from Ruins of Guesthouse
The victim, later identified as 54-year-old Grant Paterson from East Kilbride, Scotland, was rescued from the rubble while still conscious.
Despite his alertness, he suffered critical injuries, including 70 percent burns to his body.
He was swiftly transported to Sant’ Eugenio Hospital for emergency treatment.
Grant had been staying at the guesthouse, a converted former stable, and had been in Rome for about a week.
His Facebook posts reveal that he had visited famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain before the explosion occurred.
A recent post from last Monday had a striking remark, as Grant joked about his trip, saying, “This should be a good week… if I don’t get killed in some ungodly way…”
Investigation into the Cause of the Explosion
The blast is believed to have been caused by a gas leak, possibly from a gas cylinder, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, confirmed that the guesthouse is under scrutiny to assess its safety and the legality of its operations.
“The injured person had injuries consistent with an explosion due to a gas leak,” Gualtieri remarked.
“We’re ensuring no other buildings are at risk,” he added, noting that there were no fatalities from the incident, though one person remains seriously injured.
Local Community Reels from the Explosion
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion that shook the area, with one witness describing it as “like a bomb going off.”
The explosion caused a large cloud of smoke to rise into the air shortly after, followed by the strong smell of gas.
The first and second floors of the guesthouse collapsed, damaging a nearby villa wall as well.
Although initial concerns suggested there might be more casualties, no further victims were found trapped in the rubble.
Neighbouring buildings were evacuated as a precaution while the police cordoned off the area.
British Government Offers Support
A spokesperson from the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office confirmed that they were providing assistance to Grant Paterson’s family as he remains in critical condition.
Media reports indicate that he has already undergone emergency surgery and is currently on a ventilator.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise from such accidents, and it has left both the local community and Paterson’s family deeply shaken.