Explosion at Italian Munitions Factory Near Colleferro Shakes Local Industry
Details and Impact of the Colleferro Factory Explosion
Initial Reports and Emergency Response
ROME, Aug 13 (Reuters) - A powerful explosion ripped through a munitions factory near the town of Colleferro, southeast of Rome, on Thursday, with the blast heard for kilometres around.
Firefighters and police were at the site responding to a fire when the explosion occurred, reports said.
Statements from Local Authorities
"The situation is under control", mayor of Colleferro Giulio Calamita told reporters, adding that he was awaiting confirmation that there were no casualties or injuries.
About the KNDS Ammo Italy Plant
The blast hit a plant operated by KNDS Ammo Italy, part of the Franco-German defence group KNDS. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Production and Industry Role
KNDS Ammo manufactures medium- and large-calibre ammunition for land and naval defence systems, as well as solid propellants for aerospace launch vehicles, according to its website.
The company is among the contractors on European Defence Agency 155-mm ammunition framework agreements concluded in 2023, EU documents show.
Timing and Potential Consequences
Calamita said the explosion occurred during the summer vacation when the plant was closed, adding that otherwise "it would have been a tragedy". He said efforts were underway to put out the last fires.
Visuals and Media Coverage
Television footage had shown a large plume of smoke rising above the industrial site as emergency services worked in the area.
(Writing by Gavin Jones and Anna Uras, editing by Aidan Lewis)
