Kleen Energy Exposion at Middletown CT

Gas Line Rupture Causes Connecticut Plant Explosion

An explosion at the Kleen Energy Plant in Middletown, Ct. on Sunday morning has officials concerned that as many as 50 people could have been killed, in addition to 100 others who could be seriously injured.  Although CNN has reported that two are dead, officials have still not confirmed an exact number. Media reports say at least five people died.

The explosion occurred during a test of the Kleen Energy Plant’s power generation sites; the facility was still in the process of being constructed when the accident occurred.

Twenty ambulances and fire trucks rushed to the scene to try and ascertain the extent of the injuries and the number of casualties.   One witness told CNN that “there are bodies everywhere.”  There were also some helicopters on hand to airlift some of the victims to nearby hospitals.

Although the accident is horrific, it could have been much worse.  There were not as many employees on hand this morning, as today is Super Bowl Sunday and many stay home waiting to watch the game.   

Kleen Energy plant is a gas fired energy production plant that is located on the outskirts of Middletown, CT, close to the river.   The town is home to 40,000.

Kleen Energy Systems - the organization that owns the plant -  has a website at kleenenergy.com, but it does not offer much information on the company except that the plant is located in Middletown Ct and general manager is Gordon Holk who can be contacted by calling 860-262-2640.

 The exact cause of the explosion is said to have been due to a gas line rupture, according to Fox News.   It is unknown whether it is caused by some terrorist(s).  Thick, black smoke was visible for miles, while the explosion itself could be felt as far away as Long Island Sound.

By Rachel Stockton