International

Italy Hydro Plant Blast: 4 Dead, 3 Hurt, 5 Missing

Four people were killed and three others injured in an explosion that ripped through a hydroelectric plant near the Suviana reservoir in Italy, close to the city of Bologna, on Tuesday.

Five people remain missing, according to the ANSA news agency, cited by Agerpres.

Initial reports indicated that four employees at the plant suffered severe burns, while six others were unaccounted for. Subsequently, authorities released a first official update, confirming a total of 12 casualties. This included three confirmed fatalities after rescue teams located the bodies, with three sustaining injuries and six still missing.

Local sources quoted by ANSA reported the discovery of a fourth body among those previously listed as missing. All the confirmed victims are men.

The explosion occurred around 3:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. GMT) at the hydroelectric plant associated with the reservoir. The reservoir itself is situated within the Apennine mountain range and was formed following the construction of a dam there in 1932.

According to initial reports, four employees of the plant suffered severe burns, and six others were unaccounted for.

The blast occurred on the ninth floor of the facility, approximately 30 metres below the water's surface, while maintenance work was being conducted on the turbines. The explosion was followed by a fire.

The hydroelectric plant, built in 1975, is operated by the company Enel.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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