Key facts
- An explosion occurred at a KNDS Ammo Italy factory in Colleferro, Italy, on Thursday.
- No injuries were reported from the incident.
- Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated there is no indication that Russia was behind the blast.
- Crosetto suggested the incident was likely an internal problem.
- Prosecutors are investigating potential links to similar incidents at ammunition facilities in Bulgaria.
An explosion at a munitions plant in Colleferro, Italy, has prompted speculation about its cause, but Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has indicated there is no evidence of Russian involvement. The blast occurred at a KNDS Ammo Italy factory on Thursday, after firefighters had been called to a fire at the site. No injuries were reported.
Crosetto told Italian news agency Adnkronos that there was "no indication to anyone that this could be anything other than an internal problem," seeking to quell suggestions of Russian sabotage. While the government has not confirmed reports that the plant supplies ammunition to Ukraine, the incident has raised concerns.
La Repubblica newspaper reported that prosecutors are investigating potential connections to similar incidents at ammunition facilities in Bulgaria. Investigators have declined to comment on these reports. Carlo Calenda, leader of the opposition Azione party, urged the government to brief parliament, stating that uncertainty over a potential Russian hybrid attack should be resolved quickly.