Theories behind Calenzano oil depot explosion

The precise origin of the explosion at the oil depot in Calenzano, Florence, remains uncertain. Several potential causes have been suggested, including a wrong manoeuvre by a waiting vehicle, a malfunction of some machinery during the loading phase, or an accidental spark. It will be up to the Prato Public Prosecutor’s Office to clarify the matter once an investigation has been launched. The area where the deflagration occurred is sealed until a technical expert produces a report on the accident, which resulted in five fatalities and 26 injuries. The ENI plant is among the 28 facilities designated as ‘high industrial risk’ by the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Tuscany (ARPAT) in accordance with the EU ‘Seveso Directive’, which necessitates adherence to specific safety protocols to prevent accidents. Previous reports have highlighted several critical issues including concerns about the proximity to key infrastructure, such as the railway and motorway, and two shopping centres. Additionally, the proximity to two watercourses has been identified as a potential risk factor in the event of an accident, as it could lead to contamination and the dispersion of vapours into the atmosphere during vehicle loading operations.