A 6.0 earthquake in northern Italy early today has killed at least six people and injured 50, reports CNN. The earthquake occurred at 4am local time, about 22 miles north of Bologna, and sent thousands of people fleeing into the streets for safety. Serious damage was reported to many historic buildings around the region, and most of those who died were killed by collapsing rubble. "It was a strong one, and it lasted quite a long time," said a hotel receptionist. It was the strongest earthquake to hit Italy since a 6.3 temblor killed 300 people in L'Aquila in 2009. (More Italy stories.)