Massive explosion reported at Knds Ammo Italy munitions factory near Rome

A powerful explosion occurred on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at a munitions manufacturing facility located in Colleferro, in the province of Rome, Italy. The incident, which triggered a significant fire, was reportedly heard for several kilometers. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and Carabinieri, were deployed to the site, though access has been limited by intense flames and volatile conditions.

The facility, formerly known as Simmel and currently owned by the Knds Ammo Italy group, specializes in the production of medium and large-caliber military and naval ammunition, as well as solid rocket propellants. Preliminary reports indicate that the blast originated in the gunpowder compression department. At the time of reporting, authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, and it remains unclear whether there are any casualties among the staff.

Operations at the Rome police headquarters were alerted to the emergency at 14:45 local time. Officials are currently working to secure the perimeter and extinguish the blaze, while investigation efforts into the cause of the explosion are expected to begin once the area is deemed safe for entry.