A 54-year-old Scottish tourist is fighting for his life after a devastating gas explosion destroyed his holiday apartment in Rome, Italy. Grant Paterson, from East Kilbride, was on a solo trip exploring the city when the blast ripped through his rental building early Saturday morning.
The explosion happened around 8:30 a.m. on March 22nd in the Monteverde neighborhood. Witnesses described a loud blast—”like a bomb”—before seeing flames and smoke engulf the three-story building. The force of the explosion leveled parts of the structure and damaged nearby cars.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and pulled Paterson from the rubble. He suffered severe burns covering 75% of his body and was taken to Sant’Eugenio Hospital for emergency surgery. Doctors placed him on life support, where he remains in critical condition.
Before the tragedy, Paterson had shared his excitement about the trip on social media. He posted photos of his stylish apartment with views of Villa Pamphili Park, joking, *”This should be a good week… if I don’t get killed in some ungodly way.”*
Paterson works for CalMac, a Scottish ferry company. His employer expressed shock over the accident and pledged support for his family. Italian authorities are investigating the cause of the gas leak.
Gas explosions in older buildings, while rare, can occur due to faulty pipes or improper maintenance. Tourists renting private accommodations are advised to check for safety certifications and working gas detectors.
Rome remains a top destination for solo travelers, but this incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness abroad. Visitors should know local emergency numbers (112 in Italy) and have travel insurance covering medical evacuations.
Our thoughts are with Grant Paterson and his family during this difficult time. Updates on his condition are expected in the coming days.
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