Explosion at Enel Green Power plant kills at least three
Maintenance work had been underway at 1970s-era hydro plant in Italy
An explosion at an Enel Green Power hydroelectric plant in Italy has killed at least three while others remain missing.
The blast occurred yesterday at the 330MW Bargi power plant near Bologna in northern Italy during testing at the decades-old site.
Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni said she was monitoring the “terrible” news and expressed support for the victims and their families.
Regional fire chief Francesco Notaro said part of the nine-story underground structure of the power plant collapsed. This started a fire and caused flooding up to 60 metres underground.
At least three have been confirmed dead while several others remain missing.
Over one hundred firefighters have been involved in rescue operations. Divers have been trying to reach those who may remain trapped in the structure deep underwater, although hope is said to be dwindling for them being found alive.
The Enel plant, which opened in 1975, can provide power to around 600,000 European households. It is located on the Suviana Lake, which was formed after a dam was built nearby. Enel said the dam is unaffected by the blast.
Enel Green Power CEO Salvatore Bernabei “immediately went to the site to personally coordinate company activities in conjunction with the competent authorities,” it said.
The company said that efficiency and maintenance works had been underway at the plant since 2022.
Those works had it said been “entrusted” to three primary companies: Siemens, ABB and Voith.
“From what has been reconstructed, the testing of the first generation group had already been completed in the past days and, at the time the accident occurred, the testing of the second group was underway,” said Enel.
“Enel Green Power will remain close in every possible way to those injured as well as to the families of the victims. The company expresses its gratitude to the relevant authorities that are working tirelessly on rescue operations, to whom it is providing maximum support.”
The mayor of the nearby town of Camugnano, Marco Masinara, is quoted as saying "our world collapsed”.
"This is a historic power plant for us. It has been managed by Enel for 50 years, providing jobs for many families,” he said.
"Until today, nothing ever happened."
Local prosecutors have reportedly said they will look at opening an investigation into the circumstances around the blast.
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