Camugnano, Italy – A tragic explosion at a hydroelectric dam on Lake Suviana in northern Italy has claimed the lives of three individuals, with four still missing and five suffering serious injuries. The incident took place at the Bargi hydroelectric plant, owned by Enel, an Italian multinational company specializing in electricity and gas distribution.
Reports indicate that the explosion occurred during maintenance work 30 meters below the lake surface, leading to a section of the dam collapsing due to a turbine blast. This resulted in significant flooding at depths of up to 60 meters, leaving a group of people trapped in the submerged area with dim hopes of survival.
Search and rescue teams, including divers, have been working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals amid challenging conditions caused by the extensive flooding. The long-term effects of the explosion on the dam’s infrastructure remain uncertain at this time.
The local community, particularly in the town of Camugnano near the dam, has been deeply impacted by the tragedy. Mayor Marco Masinara expressed sorrow over the historic plant’s first-ever catastrophic incident, which has been managed by Enel for half a century and has been a crucial source of employment for many families in the area.
Enel has issued a statement extending their condolences to the victims’ families and expressing solidarity with those affected by the tragic event. The company’s leadership commended the efforts of the emergency responders and rescue teams involved in the ongoing operation at Lake Suviana.
Industry experts from the British Hydropower Association and the International Hydropower Association also shared their sentiments, highlighting the importance of safety in underground activities and expressing condolences to the families of the casualties. The hydropower community remains united in support and sympathy for the individuals affected by this devastating incident.
As investigations continue to determine the root cause of the explosion and assess the full extent of the damages, the tragic event at the Enel hydroelectric plant has brought sorrow and reflection to the energy sector. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in industrial operations and the critical need for stringent safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.