Seven people were killed and five others were injured on April 9, 2024, due to an explosion at a hydroelectric power plant on Lake Suviana in central Italy, south of Bologna.
The explosion took place at the Bargi power plant, a facility managed by the energy company, Enel, during routine maintenance operations on turbines located roughly 10 stories below the surface.
Marco Masinara, the mayor of Camugnano, confirmed the death toll and reported that the injured individuals were receiving hospital care.
“This is a historic power plant for us,” the mayor shared with local media outlets.
“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.”
The rescue operation faced significant obstacles due to the explosion’s underwater location, which led to a fire and extensive flooding approximately 130 feet below the surface. The rescue teams, aided by divers, had to contend with poor visibility and the danger of further collapses while searching for the missing individuals.
Enel confirmed that a transformer fire was connected to the explosion that occurred during the afternoon. Although the plant was not operational at the time, thereby preventing any immediate disruption to the power supply, the incident has prompted questions about maintenance procedures and safety protocols at crucial infrastructure sites.
Lake Suviana, an idyllic lake in the Apennine Mountains, was created between 1928 and 1932 due to dam construction. The incident at the power plant, a vital part of the region’s hydroelectric capability, underlines the risks involved in managing such crucial yet potentially hazardous facilities.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, with both Enel and governmental agencies pledging full cooperation.
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, assured that she is closely monitoring the situation and expressed her condolences to those impacted and their families.