An explosion at an old hydroelectric plant at Lake Suviano in northern Italy, has claimed the lives of at least three workers, injuring five others. Four people are missing.
The incident occurred during routine maintenance work at Enel’s Bergi plant, south of Bologna. Regional fire chief Francesco Notaro reported that a section of the nine-story underground facility collapsed, triggering a fire and causing flooding at depths of up to 60 metres.
Footage from firefighters revealed smoke billowing from the plant’s underground area. “This is a historic power plant for us,” Marco Masinara, the mayor of the nearby town of Camugnano, told local media.
“It has been managed by Enel for 50 years, providing jobs for many families. Until today, nothing ever happened. Today, a drama occurred. Our world collapsed.”
Of the injured, three were in critical condition, while two sustained minor injuries. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her sympathy for the victims and their families, calling the incident “terrible.”
Divers were deployed to assist in the ongoing search efforts. Rescue attempts continued throughout the night with caution due to the risk of further structural collapse.
The hydroelectric plant is at Lake Suviana, formed by a dam and located within a regional park approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Bologna.
Enel Green Power assured that the dam remained intact, with CEO Salvatore Bernabei personally visiting the site. The company extended condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
