The bodies of a man and a woman were found beneath the rubble of an abandoned building used as shelter by rough sleepers.
Two people have been killed after an explosion destroyed an abandoned farmhouse in Rome’s Parco degli Acquedotti in the early hours of Friday 20 March.
The victims, a man and a woman whose identities had not been confirmed at the time of writing, were found buried beneath the rubble of the structure known as the Casale del Sellaretto, located on Via delle Capannelle in the city’s Tuscolano district.
The alarm was raised at 02.00 in the morning when a report of an explosion reached the emergency services, after local residents heard the blast, however the full scale of the tragedy only became apparent at first light.
The two victims were found by firefighters beneath the wreckage of the building, which had been used as a refuge by rough sleepers.
The body of the man was discovered first, and that of the woman shortly afterwards, news outlet RomaToday reports.
Investigators believe the explosion may have been triggered by a gas hob or a gas canister. The forensic police are carrying out detailed examinations of the site.
Search operations were continuing to determine whether any further victims might be trapped in the debris, while teams worked to secure the surrounding area.
The Parco degli Acquedotti is one of Rome’s most historically significant green spaces, taking its name from the monumental Roman aqueducts that traverse it.
The Casale del Sellaretto, long abandoned, had reportedly become a known gathering point for those without fixed accommodation.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and the story is developing.
Photo Vigili del Fuoco
