Investigation Launched Following Tragic Explosion at Eni Facility in Florence
Nine individuals are currently under investigation by the Prato prosecutors for the devastating explosion that occurred on December 9 at the Eni facility in Calenzano, located in the province of Florence. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of five lives and left 26 others injured. Among those under investigation, seven are employees of Eni, while the remaining individuals are executives from Sergen, an external company that was performing maintenance at the facility on the day of the explosion.
The charges these individuals face include multiple involuntary manslaughter, involuntary disaster, and bodily harm. Additionally, Eni itself is also being investigated for potential administrative responsibilities associated with the incident. Prato prosecutor Luca Tescaroli described the explosion as a foreseeable and avoidable event, indicating that better safety measures could have prevented the disaster.
According to the prosecutor's office, the explosion was reportedly triggered by a combustion engine from an elevator being used during Sergen's maintenance work, coinciding with tank trucks refueling on site. The officials stated that with proper risk assessments and adherence to safety protocols, the occurrence of such an incident could have been mitigated.
Moreover, it has been alleged that both Eni and Sergen attempted to mislead investigators by submitting documents that were created after the incident took place, raising concerns regarding transparency during the subsequent inquiry.
Notable figures currently under investigation include Luigi Collurà, safety manager at the Calenzano depot, Patrizia Boschetti, an executive within Eni Spa's operational structure in Rome, and Emanuela Proietti, who heads Eni’s protection and prevention service. Furthermore, Francesco Cirone and Luigi Murno are also implicated in the investigation; Cirone oversees the prevention and protection service, while Murno is responsible for Sergen’s operational activities in Potenza, Basilicata.
This incident has spurred significant scrutiny into the safety practices within industrial operations, highlighting the necessity for rigorous adherence to preventive measures and the importance of accountability in safeguarding human lives.
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