A devastating explosion destroyed a villa in Sassi, a village in Molazzana, Garfagnana, late at night.

Authorities suspect a gas leak caused the blast, which reduced the home to rubble and was heard miles away.

The villa, located in an isolated area, was owned by a foreign couple who had lived there for several years.

Emergency teams, including firefighters, medics, and alpine rescue units, are working tirelessly to search for the missing couple.

The fire has been extinguished, but rescuers are carefully removing debris by hand.

The local mayor, Andrea Talani, is also on-site overseeing the efforts.

The tragedy has left the community in shock as investigations continue.