A critical stretch of Italy’s A1 Milan-Naples motorway—approximately 40 kilometers between Orte and the Rome North Branch junction—is closed in both directions following a burning LPG tanker at kilometer 525. The blaze erupted around 5 PM, halting all traffic on this key route.
Initial reports indicate the fire originated from an overheated braking system but has not yet spread to the gas-filled tank. Firefighters are maintaining a safety perimeter, and authorities warn reopening will be delayed as the tanker must be fully cooled before removal.
Simultaneously, the Rome North Branch motorway segment between Fiano Romano and the A1 Florence junction is closed. Traffic backups include 4 km toward Rome and 2 km toward Florence, with additional congestion reported near Guidonia and Fiano Romano. Civil protection units are distributing water to stranded motorists.
Autostrade per l’Italia advises drivers:
– **To Rome/Naples**: Exit at Orte, follow SS675 and SS2 Via Cassia, then rejoin the A1 via the GRA ring road.
– **To Florence**: Use the Rome South Branch, proceed along the GRA, take SS2 Via Cassia toward Viterbo, connect to SS675, and re-enter the A1 at Orte.
The cause remains under investigation.