Breaking on GEM$NBC - multiple fatalities in Middletown Connecticut

[malaise]

Power Plant explosion.

[Catshrink]

1. Really?

You mean they broke into the Palin coverage with real news? Color me shocked beyond belief.

Sarcasm aside, I'm very sorry about the loss of life in Connecticut.

[malaise]

3. Link

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35283135/ns/us_news/
<snip>
A large explosion at a power plant on Sunday has killed an unknown number of people and injured many others, officials report.

Black smoke was seen billowing the Kleen Energy Systems plant, which was under construction along the banks of the Connecticut River, and helicopters were airlifting victims to area hospitals.

The explosion at around 11:30 a.m. could be heard from up to 10 miles away, and some mistook it for an earthquake.

Neighbors of the plant said as many as 100 employees may have been working there when the explosion took place, the Hartford Courant reported.

[Catshrink]

4. 100 people??

Oh wow. That is heartbreaking.

[malaise]

5. I doubt that somany were killed but the injury numbers

may be high.

[malaise]

9. This is looking bad

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7018486.ece
<snip>
Dozens were feared injured or dead in a massive explosion at a new power plant in Connecticut today that shook nearby towns like an earthquake.

The Kleen Energy Plant, being built in the college town of Middletown, is reported to have blown up during the first test of its natural gas-fired generating system.

Flames were seen shooting from a pipeline as a fireball lit up the sky and a huge plume of smoke hung over the scene.

Officer Kevin White of the Middletown police said there were “mass casualties.” Rescue personnel said that at least two people were confirmed dead and 100 feared injured.

“There are bodies everywhere,” a witness told the Hartford Courant newspaper.

A fire brigade official said that 51 construction workers were believed to be on the site at the time of explosion at 11:17 am local time.

[Snow Bird]

Power Plant Explosion in Middletown; reports of numerous casualties

We're hearing reports of an explosion of a gas line by the Kleen Energy plant on River Road. All of Middletown's fire departments are working at the scene, and Durham, Middlefield, Portland and Cromwell fire departments have been called in to assist.

There are reports of numerous casualties.

Four ambulances and a Life Star helicopter have been called to the scene. Most of River Road has been blocked off. Flames were shooting out of a pipeline at one point, but the gas line has now been shut off.

The incident, which happened around 11:30 a.m., shook most homes in Middletown and as far as Portland.

http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2010/02/07/news/doc4b6ef2d228983062585943.txt

[aquart]

2. Kleen Energy plant gas line.

<http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2010/02/07/news/doc4b6ef2d228983062585943.txt>

[grasswire]

6. I'd like to pinpoint that location.

My family settled Middletown in the 1600s and owned much of the land along the Connecticut River. I have a fond affection for the area. Sad day for a town that had its share of ups and downs.

[malaise]

7. Yep sad indeed

police now pulling back from two dead saying they can't tell how many people are dead. They are saying mass casualties though - fifty workers were merging a gas line. If 12 were taken to hospital, we can pretty much calculate the number of dead.
How sad for their families and friends.

------
The power plant is right by the river. I'm sure you can pinpoint it using google earth.

[spinbaby]

8. They have more important stuff on now

To Catch a Predator.


:sarcasm:



And CNN has on the very important story about the best companies to work for.

No wonder we go to the Internet for news.

[malaise]

10. Press conference at 5.00pm EST

This is very bad - they're speaking with someone on CNN.

[Mari333]

11. god. thats what happened to my first husband. god help those families now

petrochemical plants are dangerous and horrible places to work. god bless the families now.

[malaise]

12. Really sad

A truly horrible accident.

[Mari333]

13. whats worse is the news media converging on your home

cnn wouldnt leave the families alone when it happened to us...
lets hope they have learned something since then