A powerful explosion destroyed part of an ammunition factory near the town of Colleferro, southeast of Rome, on Thursday, with the blast reportedly heard several kilometers away.
Firefighters and police were already at the site responding to a fire when the major explosion occurred, according to local reports.
“The situation is under control,” Colleferro Mayor Giulio Calamita told reporters, adding that he was awaiting confirmation that there were no fatalities or injuries.
The explosion occurred at a facility operated by KNDS Ammo Italy, part of the Franco-German defense group KNDS. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to information published by the company, KNDS Ammo produces medium- and large-caliber ammunition for land and naval defense systems, as well as solid propellants for space launch vehicles.
The company is also among the contractors involved in 155mm ammunition framework agreements established by the European Defence Agency in 2023, according to EU documents.
Calamita said the explosion occurred during the summer holiday period, when the facility was closed, stressing that the consequences could have been far more serious had the plant been operating normally.
“Otherwise, it would have been a tragedy,” the mayor said.
Emergency crews remained at the site to extinguish the remaining fires and secure the facility. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the initial fire and subsequent explosion.
