Blow-down test ignites fatal blast at plant
MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT - An explosion blew out the walls of an unfinished power plant and set off a fire during a test of natural gas lines February 7, killing at least five workers and injuring a dozen or more.
At least 12 people were injured in the explosion at the Kleen Energy Systems plant in Middletown, about 30 kilometres south of Hartford. Crews with dogs are still searching the rubble.
Deputy Fire Marshal Al Santostefano said nobody was believed to be unaccounted for.
The 620-megawatt plant is being built to produce energy primarily using natural gas. Santostefano said workers for the construction company, O&G Industries, were purging the gas lines, a procedure he called a "blow-down," when the explosion occurred.
Officials had not released the conditions of the injured but said some were considered very serious.
A spokesman with the U.S. Chemical Safety Board said the agency is mobilizing an investigation team from Colorado and should have the workers on the scene already.
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Quebec shatters record for electricity consumption once again
MONTREAL - Hydro Quebec says it has once again set a new record for power consumption as extreme cold grips much of the province.
An extreme cold warning has been in effect across southern Quebec since Friday morning, straining the system as Quebecers juggle staying warm and working from home.
Hydro Québec recorded consumption levels reaching 40,300 megawatts as of 8 a.m. Friday, breaking a previous record of 39,000 MW that was broken during another cold snap on Jan 11.
The publicly owned utility is now asking Quebecers to reduce their electricity consumption as much as possible today and tomorrow, predicting earlier in…
