Grant Paterson, a 54-year-old Scottish tourist from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, experienced a terrifying ordeal while on holiday in Rome. The three-storey bed and breakfast where he was staying in the Monteverde area of the city was destroyed by a gas explosion, leaving him with severe burns.
The incident occurred around 8:30 am on a Saturday morning, causing chaos and destruction in the quiet neighborhood. Paterson was pulled from the rubble by rescue teams, conscious but in critical condition. Reports indicate that he suffered third-degree burns covering 75% of his body and is currently receiving treatment at Sant’Eugenio Hospital in Rome.
Prior to the explosion, Paterson had been enjoying his time in Rome, exploring famous landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon. His social media posts revealed his excitement about the trip, with a recent Facebook message expressing his enthusiasm for the beautiful accommodation and the prospect of a good week ahead. Little did he know that his holiday would take a tragic turn.
Local authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion, as questions remain about what led to such a devastating incident. The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, visited the scene and assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the root cause of the explosion.
Gualtieri expressed relief that there were no fatalities as a result of the explosion, though he acknowledged the serious injuries sustained by Paterson. It is suspected that the blast was caused by a gas leak, leading to the destructive force that resulted in Paterson’s burns.
As Paterson continues to receive medical care and his condition is closely monitored, the community in Rome is coming together to support him during this difficult time. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and vigilance in all aspects of daily life, especially when traveling to unfamiliar places.
