SWITZERLAND – Two workers killed in explosion at Ritom hydroelectric plant
Two workers have died following an explosion at the historic Ritom hydroelectric power plant in Piotta, Ticino, which is currently undergoing renovation.
The incident happened on Tuesday morning while the two men were working inside the old power station. Both sustained severe injuries in the blast and later died, according to the cantonal police.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 9:30 a.m. after the Common Alarm Center (CECAL) received a report of a fire inside the facility. Police officers, firefighters, ambulance crews and a REGA rescue helicopter were dispatched to the site. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and secured the affected area.
Initial findings indicate that an explosion took place while the two workers were inside the building. Authorities have not yet established what caused the blast or precisely how the accident occurred.
The victims were identified as a 55-year-old Swiss national from the Lugano region and an 18-year-old Swiss apprentice from the Leventina Valley.
The blast caused significant damage to the historic building. An investigation into the accident and its circumstances is being conducted under the supervision of Public Prosecutor Valentina Tuoni. A Care Team has also been deployed to assist people affected by the incident.
The Ritom power station dates back to 1917 and is currently being modernized as part of a wider project to redevelop the hydroelectric facility. Work on the new power station was expected to be completed in the coming months.
New electrical equipment had recently been installed in the section of the facility where Tuesday’s accident occurred.
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which owns the power plant, and the Ticino Electricity Company (AET), the employer of the two workers, expressed their condolences following the deaths.
Photo credit: La Prealpina. All rights reserved.