A powerful explosion occurred at an ammunition factory in Colleferro, Italy, during the firefighters' intervention for a fire.

On Thursday, a powerful explosion shook the munitions factory near the town of Colleferro, located southeast of Rome. The blast was so intense that it was heard over a radius of several kilometers, according to local press. At the time of the explosion, firefighters and police were already on site, responding to a fire that had broken out earlier.

Authorities are currently on alert and are checking if the explosion caused any casualties. The incident occurred at the former Simmel Difesa factory, now operated by KNDS Ammo Italy, part of the Franco-German group KNDS, specialized in the defense industry. It appears that the fire broke out in the powder pressing department.

KNDS Ammo produces medium and large caliber ammunition, as well as solid fuel for aerospace vehicles. Images broadcast by local television show a column of smoke rising above the industrial area, while emergency services continue their intervention.