Camugnano, Italy – Three individuals have tragically lost their lives, and six are currently missing after an explosion occurred at a hydroelectric power station near Bologna in central Italy. The incident took place at the Bargi power plant, operated by Enel Green Power on Lake Suviana in Italy’s Apennine Mountains, as confirmed by a local official from the Bologna prefecture. Firefighters managed to rescue three individuals who were injured in the explosion, and efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals.
Reports indicate that the explosion occurred approximately nine levels below ground during maintenance work on turbines at the plant. The mayor of Camugnano, Marco Masinara, mentioned that the depth of the explosion was around 100 feet, posing challenges in reaching the victims. The hydroelectric plant is situated on an artificial lake, created by a dam built between 1928 and 1932 in a regional park. Although the dam itself was not damaged, flooding in the affected area of the plant complicated rescue operations.
Italian authorities have stated that determining the exact cause of the explosion remains difficult. A team carrying out maintenance work on the turbines located at the center of the plant was working on the ninth level below ground when the blast occurred. The circumstances leading to the explosion are currently under investigation, with efforts focused on understanding what led to this tragic event.
Throughout the day, search and rescue operations have been ongoing to find the missing individuals, further highlighting the urgent and challenging nature of the situation. As more information becomes available, authorities and rescue teams continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected by the explosion at the hydroelectric power station near Bologna.
The community in Camugnano and surrounding areas are coming together in solidarity during this difficult time, offering support and assistance to those impacted by the explosion. The extent of the damage caused by the explosion and the long-term implications for the region are still being assessed as authorities navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.