8 injured as blast probably triggered by gas leak hits north Italy restaurant

Eight people were injured in an explosion probably caused by gas leak at an Asian restaurant in northern Italy on Thursday, local media reported.

The explosion occurred in the late afternoon at restaurant "Zuma", located in center of the city of Bologna, according to Rai state television.

The first floor of the building collapsed, smashing three windows and injuring seven restaurant employees, of them one in serious condition, Rai reported.

A firefighter who rushed to the spot was also slightly injured, according to ANSA news agency.

A local website run by Chinese residents in Italy said the restaurant was run by Chinese nationals.

The explosion was probably caused by a gas leak, according to local prosecutor Valter Giovannini. He underlined, however, that "every hypothesis was premature."

According to ANSA sources, around 15 people from the Philippines were working inside the restaurant when the blast occurred around half an hour before its opening.

Several residents told the local press they were impressed by the blast which sounded like an earthquake. Some of them added there had been smelling gas in the area hours before the blast occurred.

Investigators were reportedly working to ascertain possible responsibilities. Endit