Video: Explosions at biomass power plant injures four

By gkidd on September 23, 2015 - 11:48
Overzicht_van_de_kerncentrale_-_Borssele_-_20425804_-_RCE
The power generation facility at Borssele, Zeeland includes nuclear, coal, and biomass power plants (photo: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed / Wikimedia Commons). The power generation facility at Borssele, Zeeland includes nuclear, coal, and biomass power plants (photo: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed / Wikimedia Commons)

With reporting by Zack Newmark.

At least four people were injured Wednesday morning when two different explosions occurred in a biomass power plant in Borssele, Zeeland, the regional safety office reported. The office says all four were hospitalized, however broadcaster Omroep Zeeland says two people received serious injuries and were rushed to an area hospital and the others were treated at the scene.

The blasts rocked the small town at about 9:25 a.m. First responders were dispatched by 9:28 a.m., and an air ambulance helicopter was sent to the scene less than five minutes later.

"It was really a loud explosion. Like a thunderstorm," one witness told broadcaster Omroep Zeeland. Public safety workers said the force of the explosions had ripped off much of the cladding from the side of the building, and several flaps were still hanging loose.

The explosions reportedly took place during preparations for the plant's closure, scheduled for next January.

By 9:55 a.m. the incident was reportedly under control. Firefighters were in the building using thermal imaging cameras to find possible flare-ups, the safety region said at about 11:20 a.m.

 

 

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