Explosion at hydroelectric power plant in Northern Italy claims at least three lives and several missing
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A devastating explosion at a hydroelectric power plant in northern Italy has left three people dead and four others missing. Five people are injured and in serious condition.
The explosion, which occurred underwater at the plant on Lake Suviana, approximately 70 km (43 miles) from Bologna, unfolded on Tuesday, leaving rescuers facing daunting challenges, as reported by the BBC and several other international media.
The explosion also involved five individuals who sustained serious injuries.
The blast site, submerged 30m (100ft) below the lake's surface, has rendered rescue efforts extremely difficult, with hopes of finding further survivors fading.
Rescuers have acknowledged the slim possibility of finding more survivors, given that the area of the explosion lies submerged 30m (100ft) below the surface of the lake, and is now completely flooded. Despite their valiant efforts, the challenging conditions and the extent of the flooding have significantly hindered rescue operations.
The search efforts persist for the missing individuals following a structural collapse that resulted in flooding at Enel's power station by Lake Suviana near Bologna. Despite the challenges posed by the collapse, emergency responders remain steadfast in their mission to locate and rescue those unaccounted for.
Five individuals sustained serious injuries in the explosion, suffering severe burns. They were promptly airlifted to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, with two of them admitted to intensive care units, as reported by Italian media outlets.
The three victims of the disaster, all contractors, were aged between 36 and 73. While their identities were not immediately disclosed, unconfirmed reports suggest that two of the victims hailed from southern Italy, while the third was Romanian.
Initial investigations suggest that the explosion was triggered by a turbine malfunction on the eighth floor below the surface, leading to a fire that subsequently flooded the area below.
Despite efforts by rescue divers, navigating the submerged depths proved treacherous. One diver recounted reaching the seventh floor below the surface but was unable to reach the trapped individuals further below.
As rescue operations unfolded, local officials expressed grave concern over the complexity of the situation. Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore described the conditions faced by search teams as "really complicated," labeling the incident as one of the worst work tragedies in Italy's recent history.
The nearby town of Camugnano echoed sentiments of shock and sorrow, emphasizing the plant's significance as a source of employment for the community. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the revelation that one of the most severely injured individuals was a young local, on the brink of starting a family.
With investigations pending and rescue efforts ongoing, concerns over workplace safety in Italy have been reignited. The incident is expected to intensify calls for stricter safety regulations and enforcement.
Lake Suviana, an artificial reservoir nestled in the Appennine mountain range, stands as a serene backdrop to the tragedy.
“This is a historic power plant for us,” Marco Masinara, the mayor of the nearby town of Camugnano, told local media.
“It has been managed by Enel for 50 years, providing jobs for many families. Until today, nothing ever happened. Today, a drama occurred. Our world collapsed.”
He said three of the hospitalised were in serious condition, while the other two suffered lesser injuries.
Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni said she was following the “terrible” news and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. She also conveyed her gratitude to the tireless efforts of rescue services and expressed her deep concern over the incident, as reported by The Guardian.
The hydroelectric power plant, owned by Enel Green Power, a subsidiary of Italian energy giant Enel, has halted production in the wake of the explosion. While there are no indications of damage to the dam, investigations into the cause of the accident are underway as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event.