Power plant explosion in Middletown, CT

[enforcer]

http://www.wivb.com/dpps/news/nation/no ... on_3224352

At least two fatalities are reported from an explosion at a power plant under construction site in Middletown, Connecticut.

The explosion happened at the Kleen Energy natural gas and oil plant under construction on River Road around 11:30 a.m. Here are the details News Channel 8 has learned from authorities at the command post:

* There are two fatalities.
* This was a working construction site
* Workers were doing a 'blow down' to clear gas from the lines when the explosion occurred
* No word on where the workers are from
* Fire is completely out
* Local residents told to stay away
* Windows at Conn Valley Hospital in Middletown broken out by the explosion

Two LifeStar helicopters were called to the scene. One has taken off carrying one patient. We do not know any details about the person's injuries.

State police have deployed detectives and cadaver dogs to the scene to help Middletown authorities, state police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance said.

There are reports there may have been 300 people in the building at the time of the explosion.

Bernadette Nyland was outside in her yard with her dogs when she heard the blast. "They were doing the firing of the engines this morning and so something went wrong and it blew up and flames came shooting up almost as tall as that stack," she said.

There are reports that homes near plant have been damaged by the explosion. It was felt as far away as Wallingford, North Haven, North Branford and Cheshire.

News Channel 8's Darren Kramer said on Twitter was outside in North Guilford when he heard the explosion. "Sound was huge and low. Lasted several seconds. Assumed sonic boom."

Another Twitter follower named Jennifer said via Twitter, "First thought was earthquake or huge gust of wind--whole house shook, very brief but powerful."

Shelby wrote on Twitter "my whole town was writting on facebook asking if it was a easrthquake, Northford"

Others heard or felt the explosion in Oxford and as far away as Mystic.

Dozens of emergency personnel from multiple towns and agencies are on the scene. In the rush to offer assistance however it may be needed, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton said via Twitter "Our HazMat and Decon trailer are on standby for Middletown."

Hospitals in Middletown and Portland have gone into a disaster mode. Bridgeport Hospital, which has a burn center, is on standby, but a spokesman says they have not yet been alerted that any patient is heading their way.

Governor Jodi Rell was on her way to the scene.

[FlairFanatic]

5 minutes south of me. I was asleep and didnt hear or feel anything. Not the news I wanted Middletown to have!

[Randy Orton]

thank God Jodi is on here way!

[Volture]

a friend of mine from there came for the Superbowl and said he felt it

[El Kabong]

So whats the deal? Only 2 people really hurt or killed but the hospitals are in "disaster mode"?

[Scott M.R.]

NO, I heard five were killed a few hours back and many injured. I dont know the final numbers tho. Very tragic.

[#1SpiderFan]

Yeah, I heard about this at the Super Bowl party we were at. Very tragic and awful. Must have been really scary when it happened - the uncertainty of what it was must have been really frightening. Just awful.

[FlairFanatic]

So whats the deal? Only 2 people really hurt or killed but the hospitals are in "disaster mode"?

Well, as much as I cant stand our Gov, she did a great job with this situation. Connecticut has a system in place for these situations, so, instead of waiting around and investigating and trying to get info, anything major such as this automatically gets the full treatment. Disaster teams, all local hospitals, fire and police are called and alerts are sent out, homeland security, fbi and such are notified. They did an awesome job with making sure everything was covered and planned accordingly.

This is one of the more horrible things thats happened in the state in recent memory, esp since its so close to home.

[Scott M.R.]

Yes, I agree on how horrible it was, and think that it could have been a lot worse too, damn. Along w the tragic FArmington family of five or six who died of CO Poison not long ago, this is up there for CT. Also, I heard what you did about the disaster teams, etc. Well done indeed. Lets hope we don't have many more things like this, and down your way and my Dad's either sir.