Vehicles are on fire in the centre of Milan after an explosion, according to reports.

Sky TG24 reported the blast possibly came from a van in the city.

Italian daily La Repubblica reported the vehicle was carrying oxygen cylinders when it exploded, triggering “domino explosions”.

Several vehicles are engulfed in flames, with plumes of thick black smoke rising above the wreckage.

At least five cars and four mopeds are alight, the newspaper reported, with the blaze spreading towards apartments on the street and a pharmacy.

Firefighters are arriving at the scene in the Porta Romana area of the city – which has been cordoned off by police.

A nearby school and nursing home have been evacuated.

Footage and images on social media showed crowds spilling out onto neighbouring streets amid the rising smoke and commotion – with several people on their mobile phones.

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