Kathmandu— A powerful explosion occurred Thursday at a weapons factory in Colleferro, Italy, owned by Franco-German defense group KNDS, a major supplier of arms to the Ukrainian military. The blast, which took place approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Rome, did not result in any reported injuries, though twenty-four workers were present inside the building at the time. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, but preliminary findings suggest no foul play was involved.

Factory’s Role and Damage

The KNDS facility manufactures medium- and large-caliber ammunition, including 155mm artillery shells reportedly supplied to Ukraine via European intermediaries. Footage circulating online depicts flames and a subsequent powerful blast sending debris into the air. Ten firefighting teams were dispatched to extinguish the flames, which also spread to nearby vegetation, according to Italy’s fire department.

Narrowly Avoided Tragedy

Mayor Giulio Calamita of Colleferro, a town of roughly 50,000 people with long-standing ties to the factory, stated that the community narrowly avoided a tragedy. This was due in part to many employees being away on summer holidays. RAI news agency reported all twenty-four workers present at the time of the explosion were safe.

History of Accidents

The Colleferro plant has experienced previous deadly accidents related to weapons production. In 2007, an explosion on a munitions packaging line resulted in one fatality and thirteen injuries. The most devastating incident occurred in 1938, claiming the lives of sixty people and injuring approximately fifteen hundred others. The facility has changed ownership several times over the years, previously being owned by Bombrini-Parodi-Delfino (BPD), Snia Viscosa, and Simmel Difesa before KNDS acquired it in 2014.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing. A similar incident occurred earlier this week at a munitions factory in Bulgaria, prompting authorities to declare a partial state of emergency.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.