Camugnano, Italy – A tragic explosion at a hydroelectric plant in the Apennine Mountains has claimed the lives of at least three workers and left four others missing. The incident occurred during maintenance work at Enel’s Bergi plant, causing part of the nine-story structure to collapse, triggering a fire, and resulting in significant flooding deep underground.
Regional fire chief Francesco Notaro highlighted the challenges faced by search and rescue teams due to the risk of further collapses. Divers were deployed to assist in the operation, which continued into the night amid the aftermath of the explosion.
The Mayor of Camugnano, Marco Masinara, expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, emphasizing the plant’s longstanding history in the community. The Enel-owned facility has been a source of employment and stability for families, making the event even more devastating.
At the scene, smoke could be seen billowing from the lakeside power plant, revealing the extent of the damage caused by the explosion. The company assured that the nearby dam suffered no harm, with CEO Salvatore Bernabei personally overseeing the situation and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Reports indicated that three of the injured workers were in serious condition, while two others sustained minor injuries during the incident. The artificial Suviana Lake, created by the dam’s construction nearly a century ago, stands as a symbolic landmark in the regional park, located southwest of Bologna.
As investigations into the explosion continue, Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with the affected individuals and their families, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by workers in critical infrastructure sectors, adding to the ongoing discussions on safety measures and protocols in such facilities.
The community mourns the loss of lives and awaits further updates from the authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the deadly explosion at the hydroelectric plant in the Apennine Mountains.