An explosion occurs at the Spanish Rheinmetall Expal Munitions plant: there are victims
An explosion has occurred at the plant of the German defence company Rheinmetall in Spain, which produced artillery ammunition, including for Ukraine. This was reported by Europa Press with reference to the local Emergency Coordination Centre.
Here's What We Know
The incident occurred in the afternoon at the Rheinmetall Expal Munitions plant near the village of Javalí Viejo. The explosion left six workers with injuries of varying severity.
Two fires broke out at the site and engulfed the adjacent forest with a total area of about 3,000 square metres. A total of 15 firefighters, 4 units of special equipment and 3 ambulances were engaged to eliminate the consequences. The victims were taken to medical facilities.
Rheinmetall Expal Munitions. Illustration: EUROPA PRESS
The cause of the explosion and the consequences for production are still unknown.
Rheinmetall bought the Spanish ammunition manufacturer Expal Munitions in August 2023 for €1.2 billion, expanding its presence in Spain. The plant produces artillery and mortar shells, medium-calibre shells, fuzes and rocket launchers.
It is also involved in supplying ammunition to the Ukrainian Defence Forces.
Source: Europa Press
