3 killed, 3 missing in Italy power station blast

Three people are confirmed dead and three others remain missing following an explosion at a power station in northern Italy, local government said on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

The incident occurred at a hydroelectric power station at the Suviana Reservoir in the Apennine Mountains south of Bologna city at around 3 p.m. local time, Ansa news agency reported.

Search and rescue efforts are currently underway to locate the missing individuals.

Moreover, at least 10 people were injured, four of whom were said to be in serious condition.

Initial reports suggest that a fire broke out on an underground floor of the power station, approximately 30 meters deep, as stated by the mayor of a nearby municipality to Ansa news agency.

Mayor Marco Masinara said, "I was informed that the fire brigade is attempting to access the facility, but they are encountering difficulties in doing so."

The official added that maintenance work on the turbines were believed to be ongoing when the explosion took place.