Turin Accommodation Explosion Leaves Multiple Injured, Burned, and Intoxicated
Turin, Italy – April 10, 2025, 7:03 AM PDT
A catastrophic explosion rocked a residential accommodation in Turin’s San Salvario district late Wednesday night, April 9, 2025, leaving at least eight people injured, several with severe burns, and others suffering from smoke inhalation. The blast, reported at approximately 11:45 PM local time at a three-story building on Via Berthollet, reduced parts of the structure to rubble, sparked a fire, and sent shockwaves through the vibrant neighborhood known for its nightlife and proximity to Parco del Valentino.
Emergency services, including firefighters from Turin’s Vigili del Fuoco, rushed to the scene after receiving dozens of frantic calls from residents. Initial reports indicate the explosion originated on the second floor, likely triggered by a gas leak, though authorities have not ruled out other causes. “The building shook, then flames shot out—people were screaming,” said eyewitness Luca Moretti, a bartender at a nearby club. Firefighters battled intense flames and thick black smoke, rescuing five trapped occupants, while three others escaped via a rear stairwell. Of the injured, four were transported to CTO Hospital with critical burns covering up to 60% of their bodies, and four others were treated at Molinette Hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning.
The affected building, a mixed-use accommodation housing students and short-term renters, had no prior safety violations on record, according to municipal officials. “We heard a deafening boom, then the ceiling started collapsing,” recounted Martina Rossi, a 22-year-old University of Turin student who lived on the first floor. She sustained minor injuries but managed to flee with roommates. Preliminary estimates suggest at least 12 apartments were destroyed or heavily damaged, displacing dozens of residents now sheltered at a nearby community center.
Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo arrived at the scene shortly after midnight, calling it “a tragic night for our city” and pledging support for the victims. Fire Chief Giovanni Russo confirmed the blaze was extinguished by 3:00 AM, but structural instability has delayed a full investigation. “We’re working with Eni Gas to determine if a leak ignited this disaster,” he said, noting that gas lines to the block were shut off as a precaution. Posts on X reflected community shock, with users lamenting “another preventable tragedy” and urging tighter safety checks.
The incident echoes a 2021 explosion in Ravanusa, Sicily, which killed nine, reigniting debates over Italy’s aging infrastructure. As dawn broke, San Salvario’s streets remained cordoned off, with dazed survivors and onlookers watching emergency crews sift through debris. For now, Turin mourns, and a shaken neighborhood awaits answers amid the charred remains of what was once home.