Bargi, Italy – A tragic incident at a hydroelectric power plant in northern Italy has left at least three people dead and four missing following a fire and explosion underground. The explosion occurred during maintenance work at a dam on Lake Suviana, which supplies one of the plant’s three artificial lakes in the town of Bargi near Bologna.
According to regional fire chief Francesco Notaro, the explosion led to the collapse of part of the nine-story underground structure, sparking a fire and causing flooding at depths of up to 60 meters. This devastating event has also left three individuals severely injured, who have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Marco Masinara, the mayor of Camugnano, a nearby town, confirmed the discovery of three deceased individuals and the ongoing search for the missing persons. The power company Enel, the plant’s owner, has evacuated all workers from the site and is working closely with rescue teams from the fire department.
Masinara shared that the fire originated below ground level, emphasizing that the plant operates beneath the lake’s surface at a depth of around 30 meters. Initial reports suggest that the incident occurred while maintenance was being conducted on a turbine at the facility. Despite difficulties in accessing the affected area, firefighting teams are diligently working to address the situation.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting an outpouring of support for the victims and their families. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and fire, seeking to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The safety of workers and residents in the area remains a top priority as efforts continue to recover those missing and ensure the well-being of the injured.