Police and fire crews are tackling a fire that broke out following a large explosion on a motorway in the Italian city of Bologna.

The footage, captured this afternoon (August 6), shows a column of grey smoke rising up into the air.

Police said in a statement on Twitter: "Due to an accident on the highway, an explosion occurred resulting in a fire at Via Marco Emilio Lepido. Circulation compromised, not only on the motorway, but also in the Borgo Panigale area."