Explosion hits ammunition factory near Rome, no casualties reported

A powerful explosion struck an ammunition factory near the town of Colleferro, about 40 kilometres southeast of Rome, on August 13, Italian police have said, with no casualties reported so far.

Firefighters and police were dispatched to the KNDS Ammo Italy facility, formerly known as Simmel Difesa, where authorities confirmed that “complex operations” were underway, Caliber.Az reports, citing Euronews.

Employees at the facility reportedly took shelter in designated secure areas following the blast.

Colleferro Mayor Giulio Calamita said on Facebook that “the situation is under control.”

“The fright is great, but right now it is essential to keep calm and, above all, to avoid spreading untrue information, such as that relating to the 2007 accident which is once again circulating. We will update you as soon as possible with verified information,” he wrote.

Calamita was referring to a major explosion at the same facility in October 2007, which killed one worker and injured 13 others.

The plant, owned by European defence company KNDS, produces medium- and large-calibre ammunition, according to Ansa news agency.

Corriere della Sera reported that the fire began at a compaction press used for explosive powder.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov