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Breaking News: Large Gas Explosion at Kleen Power Plant in Middletown Connecticut

Black smoke is billowing out across the landscape, following a large gas explosion which took place at 11.17am local time today at the 620 megawatt, Kleen Energy System power plant in Middletown, which is close to Hartford, Connecticut, US.

Police reports at this time state that there are “mass” casualties following the explosion and five deaths, according to recent reports from the Mayor.

Ambulances and fire engines are at the scene which is still unfolding, with urban search and rescue teams on their way. There has been “significant damage” to houses in the immediate area.

It appears that one of the pipelines carrying the natural gas, exploded, filling the air with choking, thick black smoke and flames shooting high into the sky. Parts of the power plant were blown away from the force of the blast which sounded like “dynamite” according to witnesses.

Victims were thrown 30-40 feet by the weight of the blast and some lay trapped under concrete, metal and steel.

Sniffer dogs are seeking out casualties trapped at the scene while firefighters seem to have the blaze under control.

An eye witness to the explosion dialled 911. She said it “shook her house like an earthquake”. Miles away people were feeling the brunt of the blast.

The controversial power plant ran a pipe through the whole town a while ago and there was much debate in the area, at the time about the safety of this project.

The whole area is being shut down right now and mass evacuations are taking place. It has been confirmed that there were 50 workers inside the plant when the blast occurred.

Casualties are being ferried to Hartford and Middleton Hospitals with others being taken to a burns unit on the East coast.

Meanwhile, as rescue work in under way, it is not known at this stage just how many are trapped beneath the rubble.
Story unfolding…