Two killed in explosion at hydroelectric plant in Switzerland

Deaths Reported After Explosion at Swiss Hydroelectric Plant in Piotta

Details of the Hydroelectric Plant Explosion

Incident Overview

ZURICH, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Two workers were killed on Wednesday after an explosion at an old hydroelectric power plant in southern Switzerland, local authorities said.

Accident Circumstances

The workplace accident occurred after a fire at the plant in the village of Piotta that engulfed the two men, who later died from their injuries, police in the canton of Ticino said.

Victims and Identification

One of the dead workers was a 55-year-old Swiss man; the other man is still being identified, police said.

Damage and Investigation

The incident also caused extensive damage to the building, and the causes and exact circumstances are still under investigation, police said in a statement.

Background and Ongoing Renovations

State broadcaster RSI said the old power plant is currently being renovated as part of plans to reconfigure the facility.

(Reporting by Marleen Kaesebier and Dave Graham, editing by Thomas Seythal)