Feb. 7, 2010 - Around 11:30 am a large explosion occurred at a Middletown, Connecticut gas power plant. The blast happened at the construction site of the Kleen Energy Systems plant, near the Connecticut River, approximately 25 miles south of Hartford. Middletown is located in Middlesex County, Conn.
Middletown Fire Department reports that the ensuing fire is under control and all gas supply to the plant has been shut off. There is no further danger to the public. The department is coordinating the emergency response.
Firefighter Seifert told YubaNet that multiple agencies are on scene. He said multiple injuries have been reported. Seifert said the explosion was at the construction site of the plant. At the time of the explosion, which could be heard for miles, up to 100 employees were on site.
The plant specifications are as follows: 620 MW - Siemens-Combined Cycle - ISO & FERC 345kV Interconnect Approved –Pipeline Delivered – Dual Fuel – Gas & Oil Fired – Water Cooled.
Two casualties have been confirmed, officials said.
Details will be updated as soon as confirmed.
12:47 p.m. pst The Mayor of Middletown released the following statement:
Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano announced that a major explosion has rocked the Kleen Energy Plant today at around 11:30. The plant is located on River Road in Middletown, a remote location in the City. All state, local and regional authorities are on site coordinating efforts. Information is limited however the Mayor indicates that there are confirmed multiple injuries and casualties. The effort now is in search and recovery. A command center has been set up at a nearby health treatment facility. Mayor Giuliano is on site. The Red Cross will be available for crisis counseling.
The Mayor assures the public that there is no public health threat. Health Department officials and State DEP are on site and there is no issue with air quality or public drinking water supplies.
The Mayor has been assured that this is an industrial accident. No terrorism is suspected. The public is asked to stay away from the area to allow emergency access vehicles to proceed expeditiously.
More information will be forthcoming from officials on scene.
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