At least 1 injured in explosion in Milan: media

ROME - At least one person was injured after a violent explosion occurred in the center of Milan, Italy on Thursday, local media reported.

According to national RAI News, a fire broke out after the explosion of a van carrying oxygen cylinders in the Porta Romana area, engulfing at least four parked vehicles and a few nearby buildings.

A building and a nursery school near the blaze were evacuated and authorities cordoned off the area as firefighters were dousing the flames. Videos posted on social media showed crowds spilling out of buildings and into the streets amid plumes of dark smoke rising into the air.

The injured person reported so far was the driver of the exploded van.

Police vowed to conduct an investigation into the initial explosion, though one official said there were no immediate indications of foul play.