- KNDS Ammo Italy plant in Colleferro, near Rome, produces 155 mm artillery shells supplied to Ukraine.
- A fire broke out in the plant's gunpowder processing and compression unit, causing a large explosion and fire.
- No injuries were reported after the blast, according to a representative of Italy’s national police.
- Emergency crews arrived on the scene, and employees evacuated to safe zones in accordance with evacuation protocols.
- Colleferro Mayor Giulio Calamita stated that 'the situation is under control' and promised verified updates.
- KNDS has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
- The KNDS Ammo Italy facility manufactures large- and medium-caliber munitions for land and naval forces.
- The plant is located about 60 kilometers from Rome and is a former Simmel Difesa plant.
- The explosion caused a loud blast that could be heard by residents in nearby districts.
A massive explosion occurred at the KNDS Ammo Italy ammunition plant in Colleferro, Italy, on Thursday, causing a significant fire and loud blasts heard by nearby residents. The facility, located about 60 kilometers from Rome, specializes in producing medium and large-caliber ammunition for land and naval defense, including 155 mm artillery shells supplied to Ukraine.16789
Emergency crews responded promptly, and all personnel were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. Colleferro Mayor Giulio Calamita reassured the public, stating that "the situation is under control" at the site. The explosion originated in the plant's gunpowder processing and compression unit, leading to a fire that prompted an immediate evacuation protocol.235
KNDS, the parent company, has initiated an investigation into the incident. The plant is a key supplier of munitions to Ukraine, which also receives various weapons systems from KNDS, including the Caesar artillery gun and the PzH 2000 armored howitzer. The company has been cooperating with Ukraine under agreements with the European Defense Agency to produce NATO-standard munitions.
Video footage captured large plumes of smoke rising from the factory, highlighting the severity of the explosion. Local authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.
“The blast occurred in the gunpowder processing unit at the Colleferro facility, about 60 kilometers from Rome, which also makes medium and large-caliber munitions for land and naval forces. Mayor Giulio Calamita said 'the situation is under control' as emergency crews evacuated employees to safe zones.”
