A tragic incident unfolded in Rome on the morning of 23 March, when a powerful Gas Explosion at B&B in Monteverde district, leaving a British tourist, Grant Paterson, in critical condition. The 54-year-old visitor from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, suffered severe burns after being trapped under the debris.
Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue him, and he was immediately taken to Sant’Eugenio Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for third-degree burns covering 70% of his body. Authorities suspect the explosion was caused by a gas leak, and investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Gas Explosion at B&B in Monteverde
The explosion, which occurred at around 8:40 AM local time, sent shockwaves through the Monteverde neighborhood, a residential area known for its historic charm and close proximity to Villa Doria Pamphili, a 17th-century villa that serves as the representative seat of the Italian government. The force of the blast not only reduced the Mamma Roma B&B to rubble but also caused flying debris to damage several parked cars and a portion of the villa’s outer wall.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic. Some reported that the explosion was so intense that it made their windows shake, while others initially mistook it for a bomb or an earthquake.
One neighbor recalled hearing Grant Paterson screaming from beneath the wreckage before firefighters managed to extract him from the ruins. His condition remains critical, and medical professionals are closely monitoring his recovery process.
The blast also forced the evacuation of more than a dozen residents living in adjacent buildings. Local authorities have deemed the surrounding structures unsafe, leaving displaced residents temporarily without homes.
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Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, who visited the site later that day, emphasized the urgency of providing assistance to those affected and promised a full investigation into the incident.
Grant Paterson’s Journey and the Impact on His Family
Grant Paterson had arrived in Rome on 17 March for what was supposed to be a short visit before his scheduled return to the UK on 25 March. His trip, however, took a devastating turn when the explosion left him battling for his life.
His family in Scotland is now anxiously awaiting updates while receiving support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which is in contact with local authorities and hospital staff.
The severity of his injuries has raised concerns about the long-term medical treatment he will require. Third-degree burns, which affect deeper layers of the skin, often necessitate extensive surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation.
A Scottish tourist is fighting for his life in hospital in Italy after an explosion destroyed the B&B he was staying in.https://t.co/7iVUDvBAVS pic.twitter.com/aC5WOojEOQ
— STV News (@STVNews) March 24, 2025
Given the extent of his injuries, Grant Paterson faces a challenging road to recovery, with potential complications that could impact his mobility and quality of life.
His family, friends, and well-wishers have rallied around him, expressing their deep concern and hoping for a positive outcome. The incident has also drawn attention from the British public, as many travelers have begun questioning the safety measures in place at accommodations abroad.
The tragedy highlights the critical importance of regular gas safety inspections in rental properties, especially in popular tourist destinations like Rome.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
In the wake of the explosion, Rome’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an official probe into the matter, aiming to determine whether negligence or structural faults contributed to the incident.
While early findings suggest that a gas leak was the most likely cause, investigators are looking into maintenance records and safety protocols at the B&B to ensure compliance with Italian building regulations. Gas-related explosions are not uncommon in older European buildings, where outdated infrastructure and inadequate safety checks can sometimes lead to deadly accidents.
Experts stress that landlords and property managers must adhere to strict maintenance procedures, including routine inspections of gas lines, ventilation systems, and heating appliances. Italy has laws requiring gas safety certifications, but enforcement varies, particularly in privately-owned rental properties.
Mayor Gualtieri reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring such a disaster does not happen again. He stated, “The important thing is that fortunately there are no fatalities, but the fact that a guest suffered severe burns indicates that this was a dangerous situation that could have been prevented. We need to strengthen safety measures across the city’s hospitality sector.”
The tragedy has also reignited discussions about fire safety awareness for tourists staying in short-term rental accommodations. Travelers are being urged to check for emergency exits, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms whenever they book accommodations abroad.
The growing popularity of online vacation rental platforms has led to an increase in privately-owned rentals, many of which may lack the stringent safety standards imposed on traditional hotels.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on preventing similar incidents in the future while supporting Grant Paterson’s recovery. For now, the British tourist’s condition remains critical, and his loved ones are hoping for a miracle as he fights for his life in a foreign hospital.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the extent of his injuries and the long-term medical care he will require. Meanwhile, residents of Monteverde are left grappling with the aftermath of the explosion, questioning whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy from occurring.