AT LEAST four workers have been killed in a horror explosion at a power plant in Italy.
The blast sparked a huge fire leaving five others injured with three people still missing after a devastating flood broke out in the terrifying underwater ordeal.
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The explosion happened at around 3pm local time (1pm in the UK) at the dam on Lake Suviana, Bargi, near to Bologna and Florence, say fire brigade officials.
Utility group Enel Green Power said a fire savagely broke out on one of the transformers on the eighth floor of the hydroelectric power plant.
The prefect of Bologna, Attilio Visconti, said the transformer blowing led to severe flooding on the floor below.
It has been described as a “terrible workplace accident” by the mayor of nearby town Camugnano, Marco Masinara.
Officials say searches will continue for the coming hours and could see them reach depths of 131ft underground in the rescue operations.
It is feared that the three missing could be trapped under the water due to the floods.
Francesco Notaro, regional director of the fire brigade, is hopeful that those still missing will be safely found soon.
Notaro said: “It could be that after the explosion they found shelter somewhere else on the slab.
“The hope is finding someone else alive.”
Thanks to the firefighters who promptly intervened, to the rescuers and to those who are working in these hours in the search for the missing
Giorgia Meloni
Those rescued have been flown to a local hospital with many suffering severe burns.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni labelled the ordeal “terrible” and sent her condolences to the families of those affected.
She said: “All my closeness and that of the government to the families of the victims and the injured involved.
“Thanks to the firefighters who promptly intervened, to the rescuers and to those who are working in these hours in the search for the missing.”
Enel Green Power also gave a statement to AFP saying “a fire affected one of the two groups of the Bargi plant”.
“Following investigations, the dam basin of the Bargi plant was not damaged and is safe,” it continued.
“The company informs that it is continuing to operate in line with all the necessary safety measures as per internal procedures to guarantee the evacuation of its staff.”
Production was reportedly instantly stopped after the blast.
No official cause has been given yet.
It comes as workers in Italy were already set to strike over workplace safety issues in the country.
Two of Italy’s largest unions were due to hold a four-hour nationwide strike this Thursday to protest over safety concerns.
