Rome, Italy — A Scottish vacationer is currently hospitalized with severe burns following a devastating explosion that leveled his holiday rental home in Rome’s Monteverde district. Grant Paterson, 54, from East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, was dramatically rescued from the debris of the collapsed three-story building early Saturday morning.
Paterson, an employee of Scottish ferry operator CalMac, had only recently begun his solo vacation in Rome, expressing his enthusiasm about his accommodations online shortly before the incident. His stay turned tragic when the building he was staying in was suddenly destroyed in what local authorities suspect was a gas explosion.
After being extracted from the rubble by emergency services, Paterson was immediately transported to Sant’Eugenio Hospital in Rome where he is being treated for burns covering approximately 75% of his body. Despite the severity of his injuries, he was conscious when rescued.
The force of the explosion not only brought the building to the ground but also caused damage to the nearby historical Villa Pamphili’s wall, highlighting the intensity of the blast. The incident prompted immediate attention from Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, who visited the site shortly after the explosion.
Mayor Gualtieri has since ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, emphasizing the need to understand the specifics of the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future. At a press briefing at the site, Gualtieri suggested the explosion was likely linked to a gas leak, an assertion supported by the presence of flames during the explosion.
“This was no minor incident; a loud explosion resulted in the collapse of a building and even affected Villa Pamphili,” Gualtieri told reporters. “Understanding whether this was an avoidable tragedy is imperative.”
As the local community reels from the shock, safety checks on similar buildings in the area have been ramped up, with officials keen to reassure residents and tourists about their safety.
The incident has also sparked a broader discussion about safety standards for holiday rentals and the responsibilities of property owners to ensure that their accommodations meet all necessary safety requirements.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government has been informed of the situation and is reportedly in contact with Italian authorities to ensure that Paterson receives all necessary consular assistance during his hospitalization.
In East Kilbride, Paterson’s hometown, the community has come together on social media to express support for their fellow townsman, sharing messages of hope for a swift and full recovery. The story of his ordeal has touched many, highlighting the unpredictable nature of accidents and the importance of emergency preparedness, even while on vacation.