Massive Explosion at Czech Ammo Factory Producing Artillery Shells for Ukraine

A large explosion struck an ammunition warehouse owned by STV Group in Polička, Czech Republic, on March 25.

The facility, which produces artillery shells for Ukraine, suffered extensive damage as emergency crews rushed to contain the aftermath.

Authorities confirmed that the explosion occurred at the Poličské strojírny complex in the Svitavy region, where trinitrotoluene (TNT) and ammunition are stored and manufactured. The injured individual was airlifted to a hospital in serious condition. Czech police and emergency services have evacuated nearby residents as a precaution, while 11 fire crews are battling the resulting fire. Officials stated there is no immediate danger to the public, though roads near the site have been closed.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. The incident follows previous munitions-related accidents in Europe, including a blast at Spain’s Rheinmetall Expal Munitions factory in January that injured six workers.

This is not the first explosion at a Czech ammunition depot. In 2014, an attack attributed to Russia destroyed an ammunition warehouse in Vrbětice, killing two people. Czech authorities later accused Moscow of orchestrating the blasts and expelled Russian diplomats in response. The GRU agents identified in the incident were also linked to the 2018 poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the U.K.

Investigators are now assessing whether the Polička explosion was accidental or involved external interference.