One killed in British ammunition factory explosion

One killed in British ammunition factory explosion

One person was killed and four injured in an explosion at a British-owned ammunition factory near Rome .

The explosion occurred at the Simmel Difesa factory in Colleferro, 60 kilometers (35 miles) southeast of Rome, police said.

British defense company Chemring Group PLC purchased Simmel Difesa in March for EUR77 million (US$108 million).

"Chemring is launching an immediate investigation into the nature of this incident," Chemring spokesman Rupert Pittman said by telephone.

On its Web site, Simmel Difesa says it has a 200-strong work force and produces 300,000 rounds of medium and large caliber ammunition a year.

A carabinieri official, who declined to be identified, said one person was killed by the blast and 14 injured, including one seriously.