A massive explosion has rocked the city of Milan setting several vehicles on fire in the city centre, as per media reports. In the video footage shared by the Italian news channel Sky TG24, numerous vehicles are seen engulfed in flames. 

The blast took place in Via Pier Lombardo and a massive cloud of black smoke is seen rising from the city. According to reports, a nearby school called “Istituto Suore Mantellate” was immediately evacuated after the blast.

#BREAKING: An explosion occurred in the center of Milan, cars are on fire. reports say a parked van exploded.pic.twitter.com/oljT3tyR1J— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) May 11, 2023

According to Sky TG24, the blast took place after a van caught fire in the city. According to the Italian daily La Repubblica, oxygen gas cylinders were present inside the vehicle which exploded, triggering “domino explosions”.

The van which exploded was parked in the corner of the street. The explosion of the van sparked a series of reactions setting five vehicles on fire.

According to an eyewitness, the driver of the van jumped out of the vehicle in the nick of time after he noticed that it has caught fire and hence, he only sustained injuries in his hand and leg.

As per reports, a nearby apartment building and pharmacy also caught fire. 

According to the newspaper, around five cars and four mopeds were set alight. Before firefighters reached at the scene to tackle the blast, the city’s Porta Romana area was cordoned off by police.