Fire and Explosion at KNDS Ammunition Plant Near Rome: What We Know

A powerful explosion tore through the KNDS Ammo Italy ammunition plant in Colleferro, a town about 40–60 km southeast of Rome, on the afternoon of August 13, 2026. The blast was heard for kilometers around and sent a towering plume of smoke into the sky, but despite the violence of the explosion, no one was injured. Here is what is known from official reports and local authorities.

What Caused the Fire and Explosion

The incident began with a fire in the powder-pressing (gunpowder compression) department of the plant . Preliminary reports indicate the fire started around 14:45–15:00 local time in a compactor machine used for processing propellant . The fire tripped the facility's suppression and alarm systems, allowing all 24 workers on site to evacuate safely before the explosion occurred . Firefighters and Carabinieri (national police) were already at the scene responding to the blaze when the massive explosion took place . The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the sequence of events is clear: fire first, then explosion in the powder-pressing section .

Casualties and Emergency Response

No injuries or fatalities were reported. All employees either evacuated or sheltered in secure areas before the blast . A critical factor was that the factory was closed for summer holidays, meaning far fewer people were present than on a normal workday . Colleferro Mayor Giulio Calamita told reporters that the community of roughly 50,000 people narrowly avoided a tragedy because many employees were away . Emergency responders, including firefighters and Carabinieri, were already on site for the initial fire and continued operations after the explosion, searching surrounding buildings for damage and restricting traffic on nearby roads .

What the Facility Produces and for Whom

The Colleferro plant, formerly known as Simmel Difesa, is a major Italian manufacturer of medium- and large-caliber ammunition for land and naval forces . Multiple reports confirm that the facility specifically produced 155mm artillery shells that were supplied to Ukraine via European partners . The plant is operated by KNDS Ammo Italy, a subsidiary of the Franco-German defense group KNDS .

KNDS's Role as a Defense Supplier to Ukraine

KNDS (KMW+Nexter Defense Systems) is a major arms supplier to the Ukrainian military, providing artillery systems, ammunition, and spare parts . The company has committed to establishing a subsidiary in Ukraine to produce 155mm rounds and spare parts as part of Ukraine Defense Contact Group agreements . In October 2024, KNDS officially opened a subsidiary in Kyiv named KNDS Ukraine LLC to support maintenance, repair, and production cooperation with Ukrainian industry . The company has also signed license agreements for joint ammunition production with Ukraine and is setting up repair hubs for its equipment in the country . The Colleferro plant's 155mm shells were part of this supply chain, delivered through European partner mechanisms .

Key Takeaways

• The explosion was caused by a fire in a gunpowder compactor machine in the powder-pressing department.
• All 24 workers evacuated safely; no injuries or deaths were reported.
• The factory was closed for summer holidays, which likely prevented a far worse outcome.
• The Colleferro plant produces 155mm artillery shells that are supplied to Ukraine via European partners.
• KNDS is a major defense partner of Ukraine, establishing production and repair facilities in the country.

This article was compiled from multiple news agency reports and official statements. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of August 2026.