Two people have tragically lost their lives following a severe road accident early Saturday morning, January 4, 2025, in the Torrette neighborhood of Ancona, Italy. The accident, which involved multiple vehicles, led to significant escape of methane gas, prompting local authorities to caution residents to remain indoors and keep their windows closed.
The incident occurred just before 8 AM when a black BMW, reportedly out of control, barreled down Via Esino, colliding with several parked vehicles. One of them, a small car, crashed directlyinto a gas distribution column, resulting in what has been described as a "mega gas leak". The chain reaction did not end there; the BMW continued its perilous course, tragically hitting two pedestrians—a 60-year-old man and 40-year-old Dr. Lucia Manfredi, who was employed at the nearby hospital.
Witnesses reported hearing a deafening noise prior to the accident, comparable to the sound of automobiles losing control on icy roads. Initial investigations indicate the possibility of ice being a factor behind the loss of control of the BMW, which careened through the busy area. This sentiment was echoed by Pierpaolo Patrizietti, the provincial commander of firefighters, who noted, "The gas supply has been interrupted after the gas distribution column collapse... The loss of methane has been stopped, and the security area has been secured." With the chaos surrounding the event, emergency services worked diligently to secure the area and treat those injured.
The local community was put on high alert with the Comune di Ancona issuing warnings via social media. "Attention to Torrette! Due to the serious road accident and significant gas leak, some streets are closed. Please do NOT leave your home and close your windows," the official message stated. This urgent call was followed through as firefighters, police, and medical responders flooded the area to assist.
Not only did the accident claim the lives of two pedestrians, but it also triggered the evacuation of two apartment buildings nearby due to high concentrations of gas detected within. Emergency teams faced struggles as they attempted to reach vehicles involved, primarily because of the risk posed by the gas leak. While safety measures took precedence, firefighters managed to rescue two individuals trapped inside the damaged vehicles.
Local residents were understandably shaken by the event. One resident, concerned for their family’s safety, shared, "We heard this loud noise, and it felt like we were living through a nightmare. Nobody was responding; we just decided to escape for our lives." Another resident added, "The long and continuous hissing was terrifying. Our children were scared, and all we could do was wait for the authorities to get control of the situation." Such emotional recollections indicate the community impact of this tragic event.
Meanwhile, the gas supply to the Regional Hospital and surrounding households was cut off. Although the hospital's operational systems remained intact thanks to alternative gas supply mechanisms, the urgency for restoration of regular service was high. Local officials communicated to the public: "The gas supply remains interrupted throughout the Torrette district; the operations for restoring service will be carried out by Edma as soon as feasible. Our top priority is everyone’s safety and maintaining the necessary medical services."
Despite the tragedy, the community and emergency services have shown resilience. Authorities continuously updated the public on road conditions and the progress of evacuation and security measures. Shutting off dangerous gas supplies remains the priority as the gas company works to alleviate the situation. With so many impacted, support will be pivotal moving forward, as the Torrette community looks to recover from this drastic event.
Any updates or additional information about the incident, including the identities of the deceased and resolutions to the safety measures undertaken, will be released through local news produced by the emergency services and the Comune di Ancona.