Disasters & Incidents
Rome ammunition factory blast has no casualties: media
A powerful explosion hit an ammunition factory near Colleferro, about 40 kilometres southeast of Rome, on Thursday, police said, while Italian media reported that there were no casualties.
Firefighters and police were at the site, and police told AFP that complex operations were underway. They did not immediately give further details on damage or the cause.
AGI news agency reported that employees sheltered in secure areas at the facility. Videos shared on social media showed a fire at the factory followed by a large explosion.
Ansa news agency reported that the plant is owned by European defence group KNDS and makes medium- and large-caliber ammunition. Corriere della Sera reported that the fire started at a compaction press for explosive powder.
Update
Italian media reported no casualties after the explosion.
AGI reported that employees sheltered in secure areas at the facility.
Videos shared on social media showed a fire at the factory followed by a large explosion.
Corriere della Sera reported that the fire started at a compaction press for explosive powder.
Source note: AFP news report published on 13 August 2026 at 15:56:18 UTC.
Update
The explosion was near Colleferro, about 40 kilometres southeast of Rome.
Firefighters and police were at the site, and police said complex operations were underway.
Italy's Ansa news agency reported that the plant is owned by German defence group KNDS.
Ansa reported that the plant makes medium- and large-caliber ammunition for land and naval defence.
Source note: AFP news report published on 13 August 2026 at 14:25:58 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
Authorities had not immediately provided full details on damage or the cause.
The no-casualty information was reported by Italian media, not given as an official final casualty statement in the supplied material.
Source
AFP news report published on .