Explosion at hydropower plant in Switzerland, 2 killed

Two workers were killed in an explosion and fire at an old hydropower plant in southern Switzerland, local authorities said Wednesday.

Ticino cantonal police said two workers suffered severe burns in the fire at the power plant in the village of Piotta. They later died while receiving treatment. The accident also caused extensive damage to the building. Authorities are investigating what caused the explosion and fire.

One of the two victims was a 55-year-old Swiss citizen. Police said the identity of the other victim has not yet been determined.

In a statement, police said the cause of the explosion and the exact circumstances of the incident are still under investigation.

State broadcaster RSI reported that the power plant is currently undergoing renovation. The work is part of a plan to restructure the facility’s structure and operations.