Video of the strong explosion in Milan caused by a truck with oxygen cylinders

Around 11:30 a.m. this Thursday, a large explosion, followed by a spectacular fire, surprised the residents of Milan, Italy.. As reported by Corriere della Sera, this explosion took place in the Porta Romana area, on via Pier Lombardo. The fire was quickly brought under control by firefighters, who rushed to the scene of the accident..

The first witnesses state that the explosion came from a truck carrying 20 oxygen cylinders, probably destined for the Instituto Auxológico or some homes in the area, still unconfirmed. The truck driver noticed a fire in his vehicle and got out in time, suffering only burns to one hand and leg..

Scene of explosion in Milan, Italypic.twitter.com/94aJPjaymD

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After the vehicle was evacuated, the driver tried to put out the fire, which allegedly originated from the van's engine.. It was unsuccessful and, after a few minutes, the great explosion took place, where the 32 liters of oxygen transported burned. In a video shared by The Spectator Index Twitter account, we can appreciate the virulence of the fire and the black smoke emitted by the fire.

Without oxygen there can be no fire.

Oxygen cylinders are a very delicate element to handle and can burn or explode for different reasons.. The fire must have spread rapidly through the upholstery and structure of the van.. If cylinders filled with oxygen are exposed to a heat source, as has been the case, this reacts violently and intensifies the explosion, fueling the fire until the oxygen runs out or the fire is extinguished..

Oxygen itself is not flammable, but it feeds the fire, and even a simple spark can spark catastrophe.. It is not known if there has been any leak or damage to the valves of the cylinders, which would have led to the escape of oxygen and, in contact with the fire or with a spark from the vehicle, this would have become very violent.

Before the great explosion and the fire, the patients and doctors of the Auxological Institute, the nearby school and some adjoining buildings were evicted. Two hours passed until the citizens were able to return to their homes and jobs. Several vehicles have been affected by the fire, as well as a pharmacy at street level and several apartments up to the third floor of the building closest to the accident.