British Tourist Dies After Rome Gas Explosion as Criminal Investigation Intensifies

Grant Paterson, critically injured in the March 23 blast, succumbed to his injuries as authorities probe suspected gas leak and potential culpable disaster.

Grant Paterson, a 54-year-old tourist from East Kilbride, Scotland, died on April 1 from severe burns sustained in a March 23 gas explosion in Rome's Monteverde neighborhood.
The explosion destroyed the Mamma Roma B&B, damaged nearby vehicles, and caused structural harm to the historic Villa Doria Pamphili, a government representative site.
A criminal investigation is underway, with prosecutors focusing on a suspected gas leak as the cause of the explosion and potential charges of culpable disaster and manslaughter.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing support to Paterson's family, while a community fundraiser has raised over £11,000 to assist them.
Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, has ordered a full investigation into the incident, underscoring concerns about safety in older gas infrastructure.