Fire at the BRT in Milan; an investigation has been launched. Risk to containers of electric bikes

The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the fire that broke out at a BRT sorting centre in the Bovisa district of Milan, opposite a student hall of residence and a few hundred metres from the Milan Polytechnic campus. According to initial reports, the fire started in a container and spread throughout the large facility, particularly in a warehouse where goods awaiting delivery were stored. Inside, there were forklift trucks for handling parcels but no lorries. As the flames spread, several explosions were heard as the materials caught fire. Firefighters, paramedics, ARPA, ATS, as well as representatives from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the police, arrived at the scene.

The causes of the fire are yet to be established, taking into account the arson attacks in Germany which have been speculated to be acts of sabotage of Russian origin. “The fire brigade is currently working to extinguish a fire in a warehouse where there were several loading and unloading vehicles, and where everything has been burnt to the ground,” explained Marco Granelli, the local councillor for Civil Protection, who arrived at the scene immediately. “The property owners are cooperating. We have advised local residents to stay indoors, keep their windows closed and not to use their air conditioning; depending on the measurements taken by ARPA, we will see if any further guidance is required.”

The fire has been contained, but the fire brigade’s efforts to extinguish it are continuing, as two containers are still alight and there are fears that – as they contain electric bikes – the batteries could cause explosions. Five fire crews are still at the scene on Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, taking turns with others without pause, specifically to cool the two lorries as much as possible in order to prevent the numerous batteries from igniting. For the rest of today, ARPA and ATS recommend that residents in nearby homes keep their windows closed, avoid loitering near the depot, and that children do not play or linger outdoors; they also advise against consuming fruit and vegetables harvested in the vicinity.

The tall column of black smoke that rose yesterday could be seen from kilometres away. Loud explosions were heard. Flames burst out of the large side windows, which run the entire length of the warehouse. “I saw the flames from a distance and called the emergency services. I also work at a nearby company in the delivery sector,” says a worker standing in front of the blaze.

Around 50 firefighters are on the scene, including some from the Milan and Monza fire stations, with six fire engines, four water tankers, three ladder lorries, an air supply vehicle, the SAPR unit and a vehicle with a basket for working at height.