A mother and her son were killed on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in an explosion at a fireworks factory in central Italy, local authorities confirmed. The victims were found in the rubble of the facility in Torano di Borgorose, in the province of Rieti—approximately 70 kilometres northeast of Rome.
Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as 30-year-old Simone Cole, an employee at the plant, and his 60-year-old mother, Teresa Tocci, according to the regional prosecutor speaking to Italy’s ANSA news agency.
Injuries and Ongoing Investigation
Two other workers were injured in the blast, firefighters told AFP, though no further details about their conditions were provided.
The factory is operated by Pirotecnica Mattei. This is not the first fatal incident there: In July 2023, another explosion at the same site killed three people—including Franco Cole (Simone’s uncle) and Franco’s two children, Anna and Claudio.
Last year, company owners Fabrizio and Gaetano Mattei were sentenced to four years in prison for illegally storing explosives in an unlicensed facility, employing undocumented workers, and causing death through negligence. Despite the convictions, the company resumed fireworks production after obtaining new permits for manufacturing and sales.
Historical Pattern of Tragedy
A prior explosion at a Mattei family factory occurred in 1983, claiming six lives—including three family members.
Union Calls for Accountability
The CGIL trade union federation stressed the need for a full investigation into the causes of the latest explosion, swift identification of responsibilities, and verification that all health and safety regulations are being followed.
Italian prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation over the incident.