Europe 1 with AFP 14:02 p.m., May 11, 2023, modified at 14:07 p.m., May 11, 2023

A truck carrying oxygen cylinders exploded in central Milan, Italy, around 11:30 a.m. The explosion injured at least one person and one school was evacuated. "The hypothesis of an "attack is to be excluded," immediately said the mayor of the Lombard metropolis Beppe Sala.

A truck carrying oxygen cylinders exploded Thursday morning in a residential area of Milan, northern Italy, injuring one person and causing large flames and a cloud of black smoke, a police spokesman said. "The hypothesis of an "attack is to be excluded," said the mayor of the Lombard metropolis Beppe Sala. It was a van carrying oxygen cylinders."

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Contained fire

"At the moment I am reported to have been injured (...) I believe it is the driver," added the mayor who announced that he would go there. Large flames and a cloud of smoke were visible at the blast site, according to images broadcast by news channels continuously. The Carabinieri spokesman confirmed that one person had been injured in the arms and legs, stressing that all nearby buildings had been evacuated, including a school.

The explosion occurred around 11:30 a.m. in the Porta Romana neighborhood, setting fire to vehicles parked nearby. A building and a pharmacy were also heavily damaged by the explosion. The police, carabinieri and fire brigade immediately mobilized personnel. The fire was contained at 13 p.m., according to an AFP correspondent on site.