Kleen Energy Gas Plant Explodes in Connecticut
On Sunday morning at about 11:30am, a Kleen Energy gas plant exploded in southern Connecticut. The blast has been reported, so far, to have killed at least 5 people and injured at least 12 others. Despite the massive explosion, officials said that the public was in no danger.
According to Middletown, Connecticut mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano, the explosion happened while contractors were doing a test, which rules out terrorism. He also noted that it will take some time before everything is sorted out.
The blast felt like an earthquake, said one resident, who recalled seeing the bright orange flame after hearing the loud explosion. Another witness of the incident was a whopping 30 miles away, saying that they felt the ground shake and thought a nearby tree had fallen.
There were many reports regarding the number of deaths and injuries from the blast, but many of these have varied and there haven’t been official figures announced. Officials aren’t sure yet just how many have died and been injured, and they haven’t even started releasing names yet of the causalities, as they haven’t contacted all the families involved.
Officials don’t believe that anyone is missing, but rescue teams arrived at the power plant to search for people that may be trapped under the rubble. There were also many ambulances and helicopters arriving at the scene, while hospitals were put on alert.
The plant is located on the banks of the Connecticut River. It is a 620 megawatt plant fired by natural gas and was still under construction, almost 95% completed. The gas plant was going to be used to provide energy for Connecticut Light & Power under a 15-year deal. It was set to begin operations this summer.
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