Large Explosion Hits Munitions Factory Near Rome, No Injuries Reported
Explosion at Colleferro Munitions Factory
Details of the Incident
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.
The explosion occurred when firefighters and police were already at the site responding to a fire, local media reports said.
Response and Safety Measures
No injuries were reported, said the Franco-German defence group KNDS. The plant is operated by KNDS Ammo Italy, which is a subsidiary of the group.
Statements from Officials
"It would have been a tragedy" if the blast had not happened during the summer holiday when the plant was closed, Colleferro mayor Giulio Calamita told reporters. He said efforts were underway to put out the last fires.
"The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently being investigated and assessed by the teams on site," KNDS said in a statement.
Background on the Factory
The plant makes medium- and large-calibre ammunition for land and naval defence systems, as well as solid propellants for aerospace launch vehicles, according to its website.
Role in European Defence
The company is among the contractors on European Defence Agency 155-mm ammunition framework agreements concluded in 2023, EU documents show.
Aftermath and Media Coverage
Large plumes of smoke rose above the industrial site as emergency services worked, television footage showed.
(Writing by Gavin Jones, Anna Uras and Makini Brice; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
