A tragic car accident in Torrette, Ancona, early this morning claimed the lives of two pedestrians and caused a significant gas leak.

The victims, a 40-year-old doctor, Lucia Manfredi, and a 60-year-old man, were struck by a speeding BMW that lost control on an icy road.

The car collided with other vehicles, including a Fiat Panda, which hit a gas column, triggering the leak.

Authorities evacuated nearby residents and urged others to stay indoors and close windows.

Emergency crews worked for hours to secure the area and stop the methane leak.

Gas supply to some homes and the regional hospital was temporarily disrupted, but no major interruptions occurred.

Investigations into the accident are ongoing.