Camugnano, Italy – A tragic explosion at a hydroelectric dam on Lake Suviana in northern Italy has resulted in the loss of at least three lives, with four individuals still missing and five seriously injured. The incident took place at a hydroelectric dam operated by the Italian company Enel, located at its Bargi hydroelectric plant south of Bologna. The explosion occurred during maintenance work 30 meters below the lake’s surface, leaving a flooded area where the missing individuals are believed to be trapped, diminishing hopes of finding survivors.
According to reports, the blast occurred when a turbine exploded on the eighth floor below sea level, causing part of the nine-story underground structure to collapse and initiating a fire, leading to flooding at depths of up to 60 meters. Search and rescue teams, including divers, have been working tirelessly to locate the missing persons in the submerged area. The long-term impact on the dam’s infrastructure remains uncertain at this time.
Mayor Marco Masinara of the nearby town of Camugnano expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event, emphasizing the historical significance of the power plant to the community and the impact of the incident on local families. Enel, in a statement, extended condolences to the victims’ families and solidarity with all those affected by the tragic event, thanking the emergency response teams for their ongoing efforts.
In response to the incident, the British Hydropower Association (BHA) emphasized the generally low-risk nature of hydropower generation but highlighted the importance of proper ventilation and maintenance in underground facilities to mitigate potential risks. The International Hydropower Association (IHA) also expressed sadness over the event and offered thoughts to those impacted, refraining from further comments until more information becomes available.
The community is left mourning the loss of lives and grappling with the aftermath of the explosion at the hydroelectric dam in Suviana, with authorities continuing their efforts to uncover the missing individuals and assess the full extent of the damage caused by the tragedy. As investigations into the incident proceed, questions remain about the safety protocols and maintenance practices in place at the dam, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with underground hydroelectric facilities.