FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Officials said one person, the driver of the truck, has died and a further 145 remained injured, 14 seriously, in the explosion which occurred near the Borgo Panigale bypass in Bologna just after 2pm local time (1pm GMT). Among the casualties, there are also 11 police officers and two traffic cops who were redirecting the traffic slowed down from a previous road incident. Part of the motorway has collapsed in the explosion and pictures from the scene show firefighters searching through the rubble for anyone that may have been trapped. Shock footage emerged on Twitter showing the massive fireball from the explosion near the Bologna Airport in northern Italy.

Pictures on social media also show plumes of smoke rising into the sky above the site of the explosion. Huge clouds of smoke can be seen filtering across part of the road as drivers caught up in the incident sway to dodge smoke and flames. Firefighters have rushed to the scene and are currently battling the flames, according to local reports. Ambulance crews and a police helicopter are also in attendance.

An explosion has been witnessed in Bologna, Italy

Bologna explosion: The picture shows the moment of the collision between the truck and the lorry

Bologna explosion: The contact between the two vehicles immediately sparked a fire

The huge smoke column caused by the fire could be seen around the entire city of Bologna. Police have confirmed the explosion was sparked after an accident on the highway involving a truck with flammable cargo. Bologna Police’s official Twitter account said: “Due to accident on the highway, there was an explosion resulting in a fire via Marco Emilio Lepidus. “Impaired circulation, not only on the highway, but also in the area of Borgo Panigale."

Bologna explosion: Huge plumes of smoke were scene rises from the scene

According to Italian daily Repubblica, a truck transporting a flammable cargo rear-ended a lorry ahead of it. The collision sparked a fire immediately and triggered an explosion within a few minutes, Repubblica continued. The public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation looking into possible manslaughter. And authorities came together to address the terrible tragedy.

Bologna explosion: The fire spread quickly on the road

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will tomorrow head to Bologna. He said: "Tomorrow I will go to Bologna and Foggia, where today there had been two severe and deadly incidents, to let know the whole government is near the casualties and families of the victims. "I am thanking the emergency services and local authorities with whom I have been constantly in contact throughout the day." Premier Conte referred to another deadly car incident in Foggia, a city in southern Italy, that saw a van and a lorry clash earlier today. Pictures of the partially collapse motorway bridge show what appears to be the remains of a burned out vehicle. The explosion also caused dozens of cars parked in two nearby car dealership to explode, fuelling the inferno.

Bologna explosion: The blast as seen just metres away from another vehicle

Bolgna explosion: Burned out vehicles still smouldering

Burned out cars were photographed on the road below as a fireman attempted to put out the smouldering wrecks. Unconfirmed reports said the fireball erupted into the sky after a serious vehicle collision between a lorry carrying other cars and a tank truck, which was likely carrying flammable material. Several cars from some nearby dealerships caught fire and exploded, Italy's TGcom24 news website added. The explosion has sparked panic on Twitter as users shared pictures and footage of huge fireball.

Bologna explosion: The extinguishing of the flames has been made difficult by the extreme heat

One Twitter user said: “I was literally looking out my window and suddenly there was a lot of fire in the air.” Another questioned: “What's with the explosion near Bologna airport in Italy?” And Marco Rosadini told Repubblica: "I still have my car parked below the bridge, I am waiting to see if and when I'll be able to go and get it. "I was here for work-related reasons. I was eating at the restaurant 'Il Randagio' when we heard a violent explosion. "I thought it was a terror attack.

Bologna explosion: The highway bridge has partially collapsed after the explosion

Bologna explosion: A general view of the motorway after the incident