A British tourist has been seriously injured in a suspected gas explosion that destroyed a three-storey bed and breakfast in Rome. Grant Paterson, 54, from East Kilbride, Scotland, suffered severe burns in the blast that occurred on Sunday morning in the Monteverde area of the city.
Paterson, who works for Scottish ferry operator CalMac, was rescued from the debris by firefighters and is currently receiving treatment at Sant’Eugenio Hospital. Reports indicate he has sustained third-degree burns covering at least 70% of his body and is in critical condition. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion around 8:40 a.m., with one person stating that it shook their home. Another thought it might have been a bomb or an earthquake.
The explosion took place at a B&B named Mamma Roma, located on Via Vitellia. Flying debris damaged several nearby cars and part of the wall of the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, a 17th-century villa that serves as a representative seat for the Italian government. More than a dozen people were evacuated from the area and are currently unable to return to their homes.
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, visited the scene and confirmed that an investigation has been launched, focusing on a suspected gas leak as the cause of the explosion. He expressed relief that there were no fatalities, although he noted that one person was severely injured.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is in contact with Mr. Paterson’s family and is providing support. It is reported that he arrived in Rome on March 17 and was scheduled to return home the day after the explosion.
CalMac has also reached out to offer assistance to Paterson’s family during this difficult time. The company’s chief executive expressed shock and sadness over the incident and extended thoughts and support to Mr. Paterson and his loved ones.