AN explosion close to Bologna Airport sent a massive fireball into the sky after a tanker blew-up on the city's bypass today.
Terrified residents reported that their houses "shook" when the vehicle exploded at around 12.50pm.
Ambulance crews and a police helicopter are also in attendance.
Local police said there had been a collision on the motorway and an explosion happened in the subsequent fire.
Witnesses and local reports say that a car transporter was involved in the smash.
Other reports suggest that two car dealerships are also on fire.
A picture close to the scene shows cars at a Peugeot dealership ablaze along with a flyover running alongside it.
Roads around the scene have been closed and there is no reports of any casualties at present.
Police said in a statement on Twitter: "Due to an accident on the highway, an explosion occurred resulting in a fire at Via Marco Emilio Lepido.
"Circulation compromised, not only on the motorway, but also in the Borgo Panigale area..."
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