Explosion heard near Rome as fire crews swarm Italian weapons factory

A major explosion has struck a munitions factory near the town of Colleferro, south-east of Rome, with local media reporting the blast was heard kilometres away on Thursday.Emergency crews, including police and firefighters, were already attending a fire at the site when the detonation happened. Officials are evaluating whether anyone was injured.The incident occurred at the former Simmel Difesa plant, currently operated by KNDS Ammo Italy, a branch of the Franco-German defence business KNDS.According to its website, the manufacturer produces medium- and large-calibre munitions for land and naval defence, alongside solid propellants for aerospace launch vehicles.Official EU documentation shows the company is listed among the suppliers for European Defence Agency 155-mm ammunition framework deals signed in 2023.Broadcast footage showed a heavy column of smoke rising above the complex while emergency services operated on the ground. Additional details have not yet been released.More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent