At least 21 people were reportedly injured on Friday morning when an explosion struck a petrol and LPG station in Italy.

The blast occurred around 8:20 a.m. and was reportedly caused by a technical fault during refuelling, according to the Rome fire brigade.

Authorities said none of the injuries were serious. Five people were taken to hospital with minor burns and cuts from shattered glass, according to euro news.

The blast was so powerful it was heard across other parts of Rome, with a thick plume of smoke visible throughout the city.

According to the Agi news agency, the explosion was so intense that several residents in nearby flats were also injured.

Rome Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, said local police and firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a gas leak.

Two explosions occurred after their arrival, he added.

Initially, 10 people were reported injured, including eight police officers, a firefighter, and an emergency services operator.

“There were a few chain explosions after the first one,” Elisabetta Accardo, a spokesperson for the Roman police, told Italian state broadcaster RAI. “All the policemen injured suffered burns, but they are not in danger of life.”

The shock wave from the explosion damaged several nearby buildings and set vehicles on fire. The flames quickly spread to a law enforcement warehouse located behind the petrol station.

Authorities cordoned off the area to ensure safety, while firefighters battled the blaze under difficult conditions, as Rome continues to endure a prolonged and intense heatwave.