Explosion Rocks Ritom Hydroelectric Power Station in Switzerland

An explosion has rocked the Ritom hydroelectric power station near the village of Piotta in the Swiss canton of Ticino. Large numbers of rescuers, firefighters and police have been deployed to the scene, the surrounding area has been cordoned off, and a helicopter is circling overhead.

According to local media citing an initial police statement, patrols are already on site, but it is too early to release further details. The cause of the blast, as well as whether there are any casualties, remains unknown at this time.

A historic station on the Gotthard railway

The Ritom hydroelectric plant was built by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) between 1917 and 1920 as part of the electrification of the Gotthard railway line. The station draws water from Lake Ritom and, thanks to a drop in elevation of around 840 metres, generates electricity using four Pelton turbines with a combined output of 44 MW.

Since 2018, a new Ritom power station has been under construction nearby, intended to replace the ageing equipment. Its two turbines will have a combined capacity of 120 MW, and construction work is scheduled to be completed next year.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz