Andrea Innocenti At first light on Friday, October 23, residents of Legnano, a town located northwest of Milan, noticed an unusual odor coming from the air. The odor, typically added to methane to make it detectable, was immediately reported to the emergency number 112, prompting a rapid response from emergency services.
Gas alarm at 5:15 a.m. in Legnano
The first alert came around 5:15 a.m., when several residents called for help describing a persistent smell of gas. Although methane is naturally odorless, the chemical additives used for safety make it easily recognizable. The emergency was considered extremely serious, as an uncontrolled leak can cause fires or explosions in densely populated areas.
Evacuation of two apartment buildings and containment operations
The Legnano fire department arrived on the scene along with a team of specialized technicians from the natural gas distribution company . After a quick inspection, the authorities decided to completely evacuate two residential buildings to ensure the safety of the residents.
Doors were locked, windows sealed, and people were led to temporary assembly areas, where assistance and information were provided.
Role of firefighters and methane technicians
Firefighters searched for the source of the odor, monitored the risk areas, and managed the influx of evacuees. At the same time, methane technicians traced the leak's path, using detection equipment, and assessed the need to close the supply valves. To date, no cases of poisoning or injuries have been reported .
Current status of the intervention and future prospects
Operations to locate the leak are still ongoing. Response teams are constantly monitoring gas concentration levels and evaluating the possibility of reopening the buildings as soon as safety is certified. Municipal authorities have urged residents to stay informed through official channels and to follow the experts' instructions until the incident is fully resolved.