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Several vehicles in flames after an explosion in centre of Milan

The fire spread towards apartments on the street and a pharmacy

A firefighter stands next to a burnt vehicle following an explosion in the centre of Milan, Italy, May 11, 2023 | Reuters

At least five cars have caught fire in the centre of Milan after an explosion. The explosion possibly began with a van, which was carrying oxygen canisters, causing domino explosions, Sky News reported. Four mopeds also caught fire as a result of the explosion. 

The fire spread towards apartments on the street and a pharmacy. Firefighters arrived at the Porta Romana area of the city, where the explosion took place. The area has been cordoned off by the police. A nearby school and nursing home were evacuated. 

Footage from social media shows people spilling out from apartments onto neighbouring streets. Terrorism and criminal activity have been ruled out, the northern Italian city's Mayor Giuseppe Sala told Reuters. Sala said the explosion had caused no deaths and that the situation was under control. 

This is a developing story