Explosion rocks Italian munitions plant cooperating with Ukraine
Photo: Italian police officers (Getty Images)
A fire and explosion occurred at a major munitions plant near Rome. According to preliminary reports, no one was injured in the incident, according to ANSA.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, in the city of Colleferro, south of the Italian capital. The fire and explosion occurred at the site of the former Simmel Difesa plant, which is now owned by KNDS Ammo Italy.
The explosion occurred directly in the gunpowder pressing facility. According to local residents, a loud explosion was heard first, followed by the activation of the plant's alarm system.
Several fire crews immediately arrived at the scene. However, due to the risk of further detonations and the high level of danger, rescuers are temporarily unable to begin extinguishing the fire. Investigators are currently determining the cause of the explosion.
The plant produces medium- and large-caliber ammunition for land and naval defense, as well as solid propellant for aerospace launch vehicles.
KNDS Ammo Italy is part of the European defense group KNDS, which cooperates with Ukraine in ammunition production and arms supplies.
The European Union has urged member states to transfer missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine from their own stockpiles as soon as possible.
Poland is also considering providing Ukraine with a new batch of missiles for Patriot air defense systems. A decision could be made in the coming days.
Earlier, Politico reported that European countries had nearly exhausted their own stocks of Patriot missiles that could be transferred to Ukraine. Due to the shortage of ammunition, Kyiv is effectively having to fight for every interceptor.
