SUVALIA, ITALY – In Suvalia, near the Italian city of Bologna, the recovery operation for missing workers continues following a hydroelectric plant’s explosion that resulted in three confirmed fatalities and five injured individuals. Conditions at the explosion site have worsened, diminishing hopes of finding the four missing workers alive.
An Enel Green Power hydroelectric facility was the site of the devastating explosion, which transpired around 40 meters (130 feet) below the water level during a routine maintenance operation. The blast led to flooding of the area and a partial collapse of the underground structure spanning nine stories.
Luca Cari, a spokesperson for Italian firefighters, shared the difficulties rescuers face in the search operation, highlighting the severely flooded area that previously was dry.
Preliminary accounts based on witness statements indicate approximately 15 workers were conducting a testing operation when the explosion occurred, instigating a fire that led to further flooding. Most of the workers were employees of external companies engaged by Enel.
The incident has prompted legal authorities to launch an official investigation. The event has been a significant setback for the local community, as the power plant, considered a “historic” facility, employed numerous locals.
This catastrophic event adds to the growing list of industrial workplace accidents in Italy, raising serious safety concerns by trade unions. In response to these concerns, two major Italian unions have scheduled a four-hour nationwide strike.