Overview
- A fire at the KNDS Ammo Italy factory in Colleferro escalated into a large explosion on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, sending a towering plume of smoke above the site.
- No injuries were reported and local officials said all on-site workers were accounted for after emergency teams evacuated staff to safe zones.
- Police, local prosecutors and around 10 firefighting crews supported by a helicopter responded to the blaze and worked to contain fires that spread to nearby vegetation.
- Authorities said the blast appeared to start in the plant's powder-pressing department and have opened an on-scene investigation to determine technical causes and any liability.
- The plant makes medium- and large-calibre ammunition and solid propellants and is listed on European Defence Agency 155‑mm framework agreements, so investigators will monitor any effects on defence supply chains.