Switzerland: Two killed in power plant explosion

A fire and subsequent explosion have killed two workers at a Swiss hydroelectric power plant. Authorities say the facility suffered major damage in the incident.

Two workers were killed in an explosion at a hydroelectric power plant in the village of Piotta in southern Switzerland on Wednesday, according to local authorities.

Police say a fire was reported at the Ritom Hydroelectric Station in the canton of Ticino around 9:30 a.m. (0730 GMT). The blaze trapped two workers inside.

Shortly thereafter, an explosion rocked the plant, severely damaging the building and gravely injuring the men, both of whom died from their injuries shortly thereafter.

Authorities say one of the men was a a 55-year-old Swiss citizen, the other has yet to be identified.

State prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the deadly incident.

The facility, which is owned by Swiss rail carrier SBB, is currently undergoing renovations as part of a plan to  reconfigure the 100-year-old site.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

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