At least five people are known to be dead and at least 12 are injured during the explosion at the Kleen Energy power plant in Middletown, CT this morning, according to a press release from the Mayor of Middletown Sebastian N. Giuliano.
According to the release, an investigation of the incident is currently being conducted by Middletown Police, Connecticut State Police and the Federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency.
The press release issued the following summary of the what is currently known about the explosion:
- Currently the Urban Search and Rescue Team in on site with dogs attempting to locate other victims.
- At least 12 individuals are known injured
- 5 individuals are known dead
- Names cannot be released at this moment. Families of victims have not been notified.
- OSHA is on scene
- Approximately 5 to 7 fire units remain on scene
- Gas explosion the assumed cause. Terrorism has been ruled out.
- Plant was not fully on line; testing was occurring today.
- Multiple contractors were on site - adding to the confusion on the number of employees actually working on site. Contractors are working with authorities on confirming number and names of employees.
- South Fire District - Middletown lead responder. Assistance from Middletown's two other fire companies; Middletown fire district and Westfield Fire assisted. 15 other fire departments responded.
- Multiple Police Departments assisted in the incident.
- Capital Incident Regional Management - District 3 on scene
- CERT- Middletown and Manager responded
- Red Cross has set up a family and victim crisis intervention site at City Hall, 245 DeKoven Drive, Middletown.
- Red Cross has set up a family information hotline number (860)347-2577
- Preliminary reports from local, state and regional assets indicate no immediate health risk to the public
Middletown is a Connecticut city of about fifty thousand people situated roughly 15 miles south of Hartford.
