Explosion strikes munitions factory near Colleferro, southeast of Rome

An explosion struck an ammunition factory operated by KNDS Ammo Italy near the town of Colleferro, approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Rome, on Thursday, with the blast reported to have been heard for kilometres around. Italian carabinieri police confirmed the incident and said firefighters and police were already attending a fire at the site when the detonation occurred.

The plant is described in two sources as formerly known as Simmel Difesa, according to The Independent, and is a branch of the Franco-German defence group KNDS. A third source, also from The Straits Times, characterises the owner solely as a German defence group, citing Italy's Ansa news agency.

According to its website, KNDS Ammo Italy manufactures medium- and large-calibre ammunition for land and naval defence systems, as well as solid propellants for aerospace launch vehicles. EU documentation shows the company is listed among suppliers on European Defence Agency 155-mm ammunition framework agreements concluded in 2023.

Colleferro's mayor, Giulio Calamita, told reporters that the situation was under control and that he was awaiting confirmation that there were no casualties or injuries, according to The Straits Times. He noted the explosion occurred during the summer vacation period when the plant was closed, stating that otherwise 'it would have been a tragedy', and said efforts were underway to extinguish remaining fires.

Television footage showed a large column of smoke rising above the industrial site as emergency services worked in the area. Italian carabinieri police described 'complex operations' as underway at the site, without immediately providing further details, according to The Straits Times citing AFP.

KNDS Ammo Italy did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to The Straits Times.

Where sources differ

• On the ownership characterisation of KNDS: The Straits Times (Source 1) and The Independent describe the company as part of a 'Franco-German' defence group, while The Straits Times (Source 3), citing Ansa, refers to it only as a 'German defence group'.

• Whether any casualties or injuries occurred has not been confirmed by any source.
• The precise cause of both the initial fire and the subsequent explosion has not been established.
• The full extent of damage to the plant or surrounding area is not reported.
• No official statement from KNDS Ammo Italy or its parent group KNDS has been provided.
• Whether any hazardous materials were released into the surrounding environment is not addressed.
• The number of emergency personnel deployed is not specified.

1. The Straits Times — original — by The Straits Times
2. The Independent — by Gavin Jones
3. The Straits Times — by The Straits Times

Read the original at The Straits Times

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