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Electrical transformer failure suspected in Ritom station blast

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A fire and explosion at the Ritom Hydroelectric Station killed two workers.
The blast occurred around 9:30 a.m. (0730 GMT) on Sept 9 2026 in Piotta, Ticino.
Police said the incident likely stemmed from an electrical transformer problem during a commissioning test.
State prosecutors opened an investigation into the accident.
The 100-year-old Ritom plant, owned by SBB, is being renovated while a 350 million-franc power unit will open in 2027.

History

Historical Context

On 9 October 1963, a massive landslide into the Vajont reservoir generated a megatsunami that overtopped the dam, destroying villages and killing about 2,000 people. The tragedy spurred reforms in Italy’s dam safety policy and led ENEL to reinforce existing hydro facilities. A September 2026 explosion at Switzerland’s Ritom hydro plant has revived calls for similarly rigorous safety reviews.

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Story summary

A fire and explosion at the Ritom Hydroelectric Station killed two workers.
The blast occurred around 9:30 a.m. (0730 GMT) on Sept 9 2026 in Piotta, Ticino.
Police said the incident likely stemmed from an electrical transformer problem during a commissioning test.
State prosecutors opened an investigation into the accident.
The 100-year-old Ritom plant, owned by SBB, is being renovated while a 350 million-franc power unit will open in 2027.

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