Fire, explosion in munitions plant near Rome: media

ROME -- A fire and an explosion hit a large munitions plant in Colleferro, south of Rome, on Thursday, according to local media.

The incident occurred at the former Simmel Difesa plant, currently owned by KNDS Ammo Italy, a company that produces medium and large caliber ammunition for land and naval defense, as well as solid fuels for aerospace launchers, according to ANSA news agency.

The fire and explosion reportedly took place in the plant's powder pressing department. Several firefighting teams have been dispatched to the site but have so far been unable to intervene, according to the reports.

No further details about possible casualties or the cause of the incident were immediately available.