Authorities have seized the Eni fuel depot in Calenzano following a devastating explosion on December 9, 2024, that claimed five lives. The body of the last missing individual was recovered earlier today, bringing the death toll to five. The incident also left two people critically injured and 20 others with minor injuries.
The explosion, which occurred near the tanker loading bays, has halted all fuel supply, storage, and distribution operations at the depot. However, efforts to dispose of potentially contaminated water from the site are ongoing.
Possible Cause: Maintenance During Tanker Loading
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion may have been caused by extraordinary maintenance work being carried out on pipelines during the loading of fuel tankers. The Prato public prosecutor’s office has opened an inquiry into years of alleged neglect at the facility.
According to prosecutor Luca Tescaroli, a depot worker noticed an equipment malfunction seconds before the explosion. The worker raised the alarm and managed to escape moments before the blast, which shattered nearby windows and triggered a fire releasing toxic fumes.
The inquiry has also revealed prior concerns about the depot’s safety. In a letter written in October by one of the victims, frequent malfunctions were reported in the loading bays.
Delayed Emergency Alert Raises Questions
A delay in the regional It-Alert warning system has drawn criticism. Residents living near the depot were only notified of the toxic plume and instructed to stay indoors over an hour after the explosion occurred. The message, sent at 11:25 AM, read:
“CIVIL PROTECTION ALERT – 11:25 AM: Incident at the Eni industrial plant with the presence of hazardous substances, in Calenzano (Florence), Via Erbosa 29. Seek shelter indoors and do not approach the facility. Stay updated and follow the authorities’ instructions.”
The explosion has raised serious concerns about safety practices and emergency response times, prompting calls for stricter oversight of industrial facilities. The investigation is ongoing.
Thousands Protest in Calenzano After Tragic Explosion
Under the rallying cry “No More Workplace Deaths,” over a thousand people gathered in Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Calenzano, waving flags and holding banners in a poignant demonstration. The square, adorned with mourning decorations in front of the town hall, became the epicenter of the provincial general strike organized by unions CGIL, CISL, and UIL. The strike covered the last four hours of the workday, highlighting collective grief and outrage over the recent tragedy at the Eni fuel depot, which claimed five lives. Participants demanded stronger workplace safety measures and accountability to prevent future accidents.
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