A powerful explosion occurred Thursday at a munitions factory located near Colleferro, southeast of Rome, with the sound being heard for several kilometers, according to reports.
Firefighters and police were present at the scene to respond to the fire that erupted following the explosion, as stated in Italian media.
“The situation is under control,” Colleferro Mayor Giulio Calamita told reporters, adding that he is awaiting confirmation that there are no casualties or injuries.
The explosion affected a facility operated by KNDS Ammo Italy, part of the Franco-German defense group KNDS. The company did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.
According to its website, KNDS Ammo produces medium and large caliber ammunition for land and naval defense systems, as well as solid propellants for aerospace launch vehicles.
The company is among the contractors for the European Defense Agency’s framework agreements concerning 155 mm ammunition concluded in 2023, as per EU documents.
Mayor Giulio Calamita also noted that the explosion occurred during the summer holiday when the factory was closed, stating that otherwise, “it would have been a tragedy.” Efforts are being made to extinguish the last hotspots of the fire.
Television footage showed a large cloud of smoke rising above the industrial site as emergency services operated in the area.
