Bargi, Italy – A tragic incident unfolded at a hydroelectric power plant in Bargi, Italy, where a fire and explosion underground resulted in at least three fatalities and left four individuals missing. According to local authorities, the explosion occurred during maintenance work at a dam on Lake Suviana, causing part of the nine-story underground structure to collapse, triggering a fire, and leading to flooding at depths of up to 200 feet.
The regional fire chief, Francesco Notaro, informed SKY TG24 that the incident took place around 3 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Marco Masinara, the mayor of Camugnano, revealed that three deceased individuals were found at the scene, while four others remain unaccounted for. Additionally, three individuals sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Enel, the company that operates the power plant, promptly evacuated its employees from the premises and is working closely with rescue teams from the fire department. Masinara noted that the fire broke out below ground level, emphasizing that the entire plant is situated beneath the lake surface at a depth of approximately 100 feet.
Initial reports indicated that the accident occurred while work was being conducted on a turbine within the facility. Masinara expressed concerns over the challenges faced by firefighters in accessing the affected areas. The situation remains critical as rescue efforts continue to unfold in the aftermath of the devastating blast at the power plant in Bargi.