A fire would have caused the explosion of a manhole between via Taormina and via Trapani in Leonforte (En), causing the evacuation of over 200 residents. The accident would have been triggered by the heat which would have caused the sewer pipes to explode, generating an accumulation of gas which led to the explosion. During the cleanup operations, 37 people found refuge with relatives and friends.
Most of the evacuees returned to their homes at 11.40pm. Although mayor Piero Livolsi had offered alternative accommodation for the night, many preferred to manage the situation independently. The fire broke out on Tuesday evening, requiring the intervention of the Leonforte and Enna firefighters, supported by the Civil Protection, police, carabinieri and the entire municipal administration.
According to informal sources from the Fire Brigade, drought played a crucial role in the accident: the absence of rain made the materials extremely dry, facilitating the overheating of the pipes. Authorities are investigating the arson nature of the fire, focusing on the ignition points. Meanwhile, an order from the mayor ordered the evacuation of the buildings in via Catenanuova 92 and via Milani 2 and 4 for further checks on the gas pipes.
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