SUVAIANA, Italy – Search and rescue efforts resumed at a hydroelectric plant near the northern Italian city of Bologna following a devastating blast that claimed the lives of at least three workers, injured five, and left four others missing. The explosion, which occurred at the Enel Green Power plant, led to flooding and the collapse of part of the nine-story underground structure.
Rescuers faced challenging conditions as they worked to locate the missing individuals amidst debris and darkness caused by the flooding following the blast. The explosion, which rocked the plant 40 meters below the water level, occurred during maintenance work and led to a fire that resulted from a turbine explosion on the eighth floor below the surface.
Officials from the Emilia Romagna region emphasized the collaborative efforts between Enel Green Power and rescue teams to address the aftermath of the explosion. Samples were taken to analyze the water quality in the lake and surrounding areas for potential hazards like oils or hydrocarbons following the incident.
Labor Minister Marina Elvira Calderone visited the plant to support the retrieval of missing workers and to oversee the ongoing investigation into the cause of the explosion. The mayor of the nearby town of Camugnano expressed the impact of the incident on the community, highlighting the historical and economic significance of the power plant to local families.
Over the past months, Italy has witnessed several worksite accidents that have raised concerns about workplace safety. In response to the recent incident, trade unions have announced a four-hour nationwide strike to draw attention to security conditions at industrial sites and to demand better protections for workers.
As search and rescue operations continue at the hydroelectric plant, authorities work to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the explosion, with a focus on ensuring accountability and support for the affected families. The tragic event has underscored the importance of upholding strict safety measures in industrial settings to prevent future disasters.