Eni Spa and Nine Individuals Investigated Over Calenzano Plant Explosion

Prato: The State Attorney’s Office in Prato has informed energy conglomerate Eni Spa and nine individuals, including Eni managers and its contractor Sergen personnel, of their involvement in a legal investigation concerning the incident at a Calenzano refinery on December 9, 2024. The explosion resulted in the death of five workers. The charges include multiple manslaughter, culpable disaster, and personal injuries, as detailed by Prato Chief Prosecutor Luca Tescaroli.

According to Ansa News Agency, Chief Prosecutor Tescaroli stated that the investigation targets nine people-comprising seven managers from Eni and two officials from Sergen-facing serious charges of multiple manslaughter, culpable disaster, and personal injuries. Eni Spa, headquartered in Rome, is also being scrutinized for alleged administrative responsibility linked to these charges.

The investigation highlighted that the four catastrophic explosions at the Eni depot were “predictable and avoidable events.” Tescaroli pointed out a “grave and inexcusable mistake” based on the security documentation provided by Eni and Sergen. The maintenance operations conducted by Sergen, particularly involving the repair of vapor units, reportedly contributed to the disaster. An engine was operating on a supply line to load oil onto tanker trucks, generating heat in a high-risk area during concurrent loading operations.

The Calenzano facility, spanning 170,300 square meters, was responsible for receiving and storing petrol, diesel, and kerosene, distributing these products afterwards. It was interconnected with Eni’s Livorno refinery through two pipelines. Eni reported that the facility had been operational since 1956.