Middletown blast: 'Mass casualties' at US power plant

There has been a large explosion at a power plant in Connecticut, causing mass casualties, US media report.

Ambulances and fire engines have been called to the 620MW gas- and oil-fired Kleen Energy plant in Middletown, south of the state capital, Hartford.

The Middletown Press newspaper said a gas pipeline had exploded at around 1130 (1630 GMT), and that flames had been shooting out of it at one point.

Witnesses said homes were shaken and black smoke could be seen for miles.

BBC News - Middletown blast: 'Mass casualties' at US power plant

Quote:

---

The plant was under construction and had not opened, Middletown Officer Kevin White told CNN. It was set to go online later this year, he said, and was in a "testing phase."

---

At least 2 dead in Connecticut power plant explosion - CNN.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_5OxVlFBlU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRFZe9ZFiz0

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Muadib

Quote:

---

The plant was under construction and had not opened, Middletown Officer Kevin White told CNN. It was set to go online later this year, he said, and was in a "testing phase."

---

At least 2 dead in Connecticut power plant explosion - CNN.com

---

Police retract statement that 2 died in Connecticut explosion

Five people were killed and at least 12 were injured in a gas explosion Sunday at an under-construction power plant in central Connecticut, local officials said.

Snip

"There is no present or continuing threat to anybody from either substances getting into the atmosphere or of a possible subsequent explosion," Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said, adding terrorism has been ruled out.

He said plant workers were purging a natural gas pipeline when the explosion occurred.

"Urban search-and-rescue teams are on the premises ... with dogs, attempting to locate and account for further victims," Giuliano said.


Link: Five killed in Connecticut power plant blast - CNN.com