The explosion at a hydroelectric plant in northern Italy has resulted in the death of at least three workers and injuries to five others, with four people still missing. The incident occurred during maintenance work at Enel’s Bergi plant, causing part of the underground structure to collapse, a fire to break out, and flooding at depths of up to 60 meters. Regional fire chief Francesco Notaro stated that search efforts were being conducted cautiously due to the risk of further collapse, with divers assisting in the search.
The explosion took place at a historic power plant near the town of Camugnano, managed by Enel for the past 50 years. The mayor described it as a dramatic event that has deeply affected the community, which has never experienced such a tragedy before. Three of the injured workers are in serious condition, while the other two suffered lesser injuries. Enel Green Power confirmed that there was no damage to the dam that created the artificial Suviana Lake, where the power plant is situated. CEO Salvatore Bernabei visited the site to monitor the situation and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
The Suviana Lake was formed by the construction of a dam between 1928-32 and is located in a regional park at an altitude of 500 meters, approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Bologna. The explosion has caused shock and grief in the region, with Premier Giorgia Meloni expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. The company assured that it would conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and work to prevent similar incidents in the future. The search operation is expected to continue through the night, with authorities taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the rescue teams.
The video footage provided by firefighters showed smoke rising from underground at the lakeside power plant, indicating the extent of the damage caused by the explosion. The collapse of part of the structure has created a challenging environment for search and rescue efforts, requiring specialized teams and equipment to navigate the flooded areas. The community is mourning the loss of life and the impact of the incident on the local area. The explosion serves as a reminder of the risks associated with working in the energy sector and the importance of ensuring safety measures are strictly followed at all times.
The tragic event has raised concerns about the safety protocols at hydroelectric plants and the need for stricter regulations to prevent accidents in the future. Authorities will be investigating the incident to determine the cause of the explosion and whether any negligence or oversight contributed to the tragic outcome. The response from Enel and other involved parties will be closely monitored to ensure accountability and transparency in the aftermath of the incident. The workers who lost their lives or were injured in the explosion will be remembered by the community and their loved ones, as efforts continue to recover the missing individuals and assess the full extent of the damage.
