On Tuesday afternoon, an explosion struck the Suviana hydroelectric power plant, managed by Enel subsidiaryEnel Green Power, in the municipality of Camugnano in northern Italy. The explosion caused a critical collapse, killing four people, injuring three and leaving five missing. Mayor Marco Masinara reported to AFP: “There seems to have been a collapse of the floor slab and rescue is difficult because a lot of water has penetrated inside the eighth basement floor.”
Challenges of rescue operations
Rescue efforts are complicated by the dangerous conditions at the site. Calogero Turturici, chief of the Bologna fire department, explained to local television: “The premises where the explosion occurred are partially flooded and filled with smoke and therefore inaccessible for the time being.”
Infrastructure security
In response to the incident, Enel Green Power told AFP: “A fire affected one of the two units at the Bargi plant. After investigation, the dam basin of the Bargi plant was not damaged and is safe.” Production was interrupted, but there was no impact on local or national supplies.
Government reactions
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her concern via social networks: “We are following with apprehension the terrible news about the explosion.” Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister, also reacted on X: “We are following developments in this case with concern.”
Consequences and safety measures
Enel assures that all safety measures are in place: “We continue to operate applying all necessary safety measures, in accordance with internal procedures, to guarantee the evacuation of our personnel.”
The explosion at the Suviana power plant underlines the crucial importance of safety standards in energy infrastructures and calls for a reassessment of risk prevention measures.
