Bologna, Italy – An explosion at Enel’s hydroelectric plant near Bologna has resulted in the tragic death of at least three workers, with five others sustaining injuries and four individuals still missing. The blast occurred during routine maintenance work at the Bergi plant, causing parts of the structure to collapse and initiating a fire, leading to significant flooding.
Regional fire chief Francesco Notaro reported that the incident happened at the nine-story underground plant, creating chaos and destruction. The lakeside plant, a historic site for the community, experienced this unprecedented tragedy after 50 years of safe operations under Enel’s management.
The mayor of Camugnano, Marco Masinara, expressed deep sorrow over the events, highlighting the impact on families and the community. The severity of the situation was evident as three of the injured workers were in critical condition, further emphasizing the devastating effects of the explosion.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her sympathies to the victims and their families, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Divers were immediately called in to assist with the search and rescue operations, facing challenges due to the risk of potential further collapses within the damaged structure.
The Enel Green Power company addressed the public with a statement ensuring that there was no harm to the dam during the incident. CEO Salvatore Bernabei personally visited the site to offer condolences and support to the affected families, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety and accountability.
Efforts to locate the missing individuals continued through the night, with rescue teams proceeding cautiously to prevent any additional risks or accidents. The tragic event has not only impacted the workers and their families but has also brought the community together in mourning and solidarity as they grapple with the aftermath of the explosion.