US News

Five dead, 12 injured in blast at US gas-fired power plant (Roundup)

Feb 8, 2010, 2:56 GMT

The damage is seen at the Kleen Energy Systems generating plant after a gas explosion in Middletown, Connecticut USA 07 February 2010. EPA/PETER FOLEY

Washington - Five people were killed and 12 injured in an explosion at a gas-fired power plant in the north-eastern US state of Connecticut, Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said.

Authorities pointed to a gas leak as the suspected cause of the blast Sunday at the plant, which was under construction in the city of Middletown and due to begin operations this year.

The circumstances that led to the mishap were not immediately clear. An investigation was under way.

There were media reports of testing being conducted Sunday on equipment at the plant.

Dozens of ambulances and two medical helicopters responded to the scene in Middletown, about 150 kilometres north-east of New York City.

An estimated 100 firefighters brought a fire after the blast under control. Television images showed black smoke rising from the site.

Local television station WQAD said the blast was so powerful that people felt it 20 kilometres away, many mistaking it for an earthquake. There were reports of shattered windows nearby.