Explosion hits Rheinmetall weapons factory in Spain, injuring six

An explosion has rocked a weapons factory in Spain’s southeastern Murcia region, injuring at least six people, according to reports from El País and AFP. The facility, owned by German defense giant Rheinmetall, specializes in the production of artillery ammunition and various types of shells.

The blast occurred on the evening of January 30 in a warehouse storing explosives. Spanish media reported that the resulting fire spread across an area of approximately 2,000 square meters before being brought under control. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Rheinmetall, one of Europe’s largest arms manufacturers, supplies weapons to multiple countries, including Ukraine, which is engaged in a war with Russia. The incident comes months after CNN reported in July 2024 that U.S. and German intelligence agencies had foiled an alleged Russian plot to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.
Officials have not yet linked the factory explosion to any external threats, but the investigation remains ongoing.