Explosion rocks center of Milan, causing vehicles to burst into flames

A loud explosion has rocked the center of Milan, Italy's financial capital, causing a fire that engulfed several vehicles and shattered windows in nearby buildings. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, May 11, sending thick smoke rising above the city and prompting authorities to cordon off the area around the Piazza XXIV Maggio.

According to initial reports, the blast was caused by a gas leak that occurred during maintenance work on underground pipelines. The explosion occurred in a street near the Naviglio Grande, a canal that runs through the city's historic district and is lined with restaurants and bars. Eyewitnesses reported feeling the ground shake and seeing flames shooting up in the air.

The Milan fire brigade and other emergency services rushed to the scene, evacuating residents and extinguishing the flames. At least three people were injured in the incident, including one who suffered serious burns and was transported to a hospital by helicopter. There were no immediate reports of fatalities.

Images and videos shared on social media showed the aftermath of the explosion, with burned-out cars and motorcycles lying on the ground and smoke billowing from the scene. The blast also caused some damage to nearby buildings, including shattered windows and debris on the streets.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but authorities have ruled out any terrorist or criminal motive. Milan's Mayor Giuseppe Sala visited the site of the incident and praised the emergency services for their quick response. He also urged residents to stay away from the area and follow the instructions of the authorities.

The explosion in Milan comes amid heightened concerns over gas leaks and other safety hazards in Italy's aging infrastructure. Earlier this year, a gas explosion in the central Italian town of Frosinone killed two people and injured dozens, while another blast in the northern city of Novara destroyed a building and injured several people.

The incident also sparked reactions from leaders around the world, with messages of support and solidarity pouring in for the people of Milan. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi expressed his condolences for the victims and thanked the emergency services for their work, while leaders from other countries, including France, Germany, and the United States, offered their assistance and solidarity.

The explosion in Milan serves as a reminder of the fragility of modern infrastructure and the importance of safety measures and precautions to prevent accidents and disasters. As investigations continue and the city recovers from the incident, authorities and residents alike will be looking for ways to ensure that such events do not happen again in the future.