A devastating explosion rocked the decades-old hydroelectric plant in northern Italy on Tuesday, resulting in the loss of at least three lives and leaving five others injured, with four individuals still unaccounted for, as confirmed by regional fire chief Francesco Notaro. The incident, which occurred at Enel’s Bergi plant south of Bologna during routine maintenance, caused a portion of the nine-story underground structure to collapse, triggering a fire and flooding at depths reaching up to 60 meters (200 feet).
Rescue operations are underway but are proceeding cautiously due to the risk of further collapses. Divers have been deployed to aid in the search, which is expected to continue throughout the night. Video footage released by firefighters depicts smoke billowing from the underground facility situated by the lakeside.
The mayor of the nearby town of Camugnano, Marco Masinara, expressed shock at the disaster, emphasizing the plant’s significance as a longtime provider of employment and stability in the community. Three of the injured individuals are reported to be in serious condition, while the remaining two sustained lesser injuries.
Located in a regional park at an altitude of 500 meters (1,640 feet), approximately 70 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of Bologna, the artificial Suviana Lake was formed by the construction of a dam between 1928 and 1932.
Enel Green Power, the company operating the plant, assured that the dam itself remained undamaged. CEO Salvatore Bernabei visited the site to oversee the situation, extending condolences to the victims and their families.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with the affected individuals and their families, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
