A gas station in southeastern Rome exploded in the early morning of July 4, injuring at least 50 people. Two of the injured are in critical condition according to authorities.
The blast occurred shortly after 8 am and sent a massive plume of smoke and fire into the sky, visible from several parts of the city.
A total of 50 people were transported to nine hospitals across Rome following the explosion, according to emergency services. The injured include 24 civilians, 12 police officers, six firefighters, and three paramedics.
Industrial accidents like this one serve as reminders of how quickly things can go wrong. From chemical blasts to structural failures, history is full of examples of tragic disasters that have claimed lives and left lasting scars. Click on and take a look at this gallery of some truly dreadful disasters that have claimed lives and injured many others.