Explosion hits central Rome, no casualties reported

An explosion occurred in the center of Rome on Friday, damaging at least one car, though no one was hurt in the blast, local police said. The improvised explosive device was assembled by a “competent” individual, according to initial findings.


“The situation is under control now and no one was hurt,” a law enforcement official told Rai News TV.

The blast occurred in Marmorata Street near a post office, according to La Repubblica. Initial reports stated that the blast happened in the vicinity of Rome’s UN building, which is in the same area.

There was a single device which went off twice, causing reports of a twin blast, police believe, as the explosion of the device triggered a container of flammable fluid to explode.

“It was a remote-controlled device, but it also had a timer. The device was assembled not by an amateur, but by a competent person or persons,” police official Massimo Improta told reporters.

The explosion has caused the area to be filled with smoke. Fire and bomb disposal squads have arrived at the scene, while police have cordoned off the area.

“I did not see the flames, but [the] explosion was strong,” an eyewitness told Rai News......https://on.rt.com/8bfn
 [rt.com]
12/5/17
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