A powerful explosion occurred at a munitions factory in Italy (video)

A powerful explosion rocked an ammunition factory near the Italian town of Colleferro on August 13, Reuters reported. The blast was heard several kilometers away.

According to reports, firefighters and police were at the scene of the explosion when it happened. Colleferro Mayor Giulio Calamita told reporters that the situation was under control. He added that he was waiting for confirmation that there were no deaths or injuries.

The explosion occurred at the KNDS Ammo Italy plant, part of the Franco-German defense group KNDS. The company did not comment on the situation. According to the company's website, KNDS Ammo Italy produces medium and large caliber ammunition for land and naval defense systems, as well as solid fuel for aerospace missile launchers. According to EU documents, the company is one of the contractors for the European Defence Agency's 155mm ammunition contracts due in 2023.

Kalamita said the explosion occurred during the summer holidays when the factory was closed. He added that otherwise "it would have been a tragedy." The mayor said work was underway to put out the last flames.

Earlier, an explosion at an ammunition factory in Bulgaria was also reported. The incident was said to have been caused by a truck fire. This was followed by a secondary fire in a warehouse where ammunition exploded.