A powerful explosion rocked an ammunition factory near Colleferro, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Rome, on Thursday, Italian authorities and local media reported.
Firefighters and police were already at the site responding to a fire when the explosion occurred, according to local media. Italy's Carabinieri police confirmed the blast and said "complex operations" were underway at the facility, without immediately providing further details.
"At this time, the absolute priority is to ensure people's safety and allow all personnel involved in the emergency response to operate under the best possible conditions," Francesco Rocca, president of the Lazio region, said in a statement.
Initial reports by local media said that all workers at the plant were safe, and that the blast may have originated in the plant's powder-pressing department.
Emergency crews, including firefighters and police, responded to the site as the fire continued to burn. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion across the area.
