Two seriously injured in explosion at Swiss hydroelectric plant

An explosion at the Ritom hydroelectric power plant in Piotta, in Switzerland’s canton of Ticino, left two people seriously injured, according to Swiss media.

The blast caused part of the hydroelectric plant building to collapse, 20 Minuten reports.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown. One possible explanation cited by media reports is an electrical problem involving a transformer during testing ahead of the plant’s commissioning. The circumstances of the blast have not yet been established.

A major emergency operation was launched at the site following the explosion. Firefighters, rescue teams and a Rega rescue helicopter were deployed, while police cordoned off the area around the power plant.

By Tamilla Hasanova