Four people have died and several are missing following an explosion at a hydroelectric power plant in northern Italy, writes BBC.

The blast occurred underwater at the plant on Lake Suviana, 70km from the city of Bologna. The affected area is located 30m below the surface of the lake.

The mayor of the nearby town of Camugnano told Ansa news agency that a fire was believed to have broken out during maintenance work.

Three of the four who died in the disaster were aged between 35 and 73.

Several people are known to have suffered severe burns following the explosion. They were flown to nearby hospitals by helicopter. Two men have been taken to an intensive care unit, according to Italian media.