Families Of Employees In Need Of Assistance In The Wake Of The Middletown Kleen Energy Plant Explosion
MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT – The nation is still reeling after learning of Sunday’s (Feb. 7) explosion at the 620-megawatt Kleen Energy Systems Plant located in Middletown, Connecticut. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of workers killed or injured during this horrible tragedy. Having worked with a large number of those injured at BP’s Texas City explosion, as well as with individuals injured in the recent Imperial Sugar and International Paper plant explosions, the experienced and committed attorneys at Zehl & Associates, LLP understand the far-reaching effects of such a devastating occurrence and are prepared to assist the victims and their loved ones in any way possible.
The explosion at the Kleen Energy plant, still under construction at the time and not scheduled to begin supplying power until June 2010, has claimed five lives and is responsible for at least twelve injuries. At the time of the explosion, contractors from O&G Industries, Ducci Electrical and Keystone Mechanical Electrical were present at the plant. Joint local and federal investigative teams composed of personnel from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, among others, are still working to determine the cause of the blast which occurred while workers for the construction company O&G Industries, Inc. were purging a gas line. According to local officials speaking from the scene, the investigation will focus on whether the appropriate protocols were followed during the procedure. These include the shutting down of all welding machines, propane heaters and electricity in the area prior to the purge to avoid the ignition of any gas. OSHA records reveal that, even though the Kleen Energy plant had only been under construction since February 2008, there had been at least one violation related to the keeping and reporting of records by O&G Industries. Furthermore, a few weeks prior to the Kleen Energy explosion, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board approved new standards for purging gas lines following the deadly explosion at the Slim Jim manufacturing plant in North Carolina in 2009. It remains to be seen whether or not these guidelines were being followed when the blast occurred.
Zehl & Associates is an experienced litigation firm dedicated to assisting families distressed by the Kleen Energy plant explosion with their medical expenses and earnestly protecting their legal rights. Working and residing in one of our nation’s largest port and industrial based cities, the trial attorneys at Zehl & Associates have first-hand, expert knowledge of the intricate legal matters affecting your families, and stand ready to assist with your physical and financial recovery.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of the Kleen Energy plant explosion, we encourage you to immediately consult an experienced attorney who will assist you with financial, medical and personal recovery. To begin your free initial consultation today, contact us via our toll-free hotline. You may also review the section of frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding this incident below.
We are committed to helping you and your loved ones through these emotionally and financially challenging times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is Kleen Energy?
On March 15, 2002, Kleen Energy Systems, LLC, applied to the Connecticut Siting Council for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a 520 MW (nominal) natural-gas fired combined-cycle electric generating facility and switchyard in the City of Middletown, Connecticut. On November 21, 2002, Kleen Energy’s application was accepted. This energy plant was scheduled to begin producing power in June of 2010. The company is headed up by a former Middletown City Councilman named William Corvo and operated by Power Plant Management Services.
Where is the Kleen Energy plant that suffered Sunday’s (Feb. 7) explosion?
The Kleen Energy plant is located in Middletown, Connecticut.
When did the explosion occur?
The explosion occurred at approximately 11:17 a.m. EST on Sunday, February 7, 2010.
Why did this explosion happen?
While the investigation is still underway and a cause has yet to be determined, the explosion occurred as O&G contractors were purging a natural gas line. It remains unclear just how the gas ignited.
How could purging a natural gas line cause such an explosion?
When a gas line is purged, all equipment capable of causing ignition (like welding machines, heaters, etc.) must be turned off. This includes shutting down any and all electricity in the area of the purge.
Has this happened before?
Following the 2009 Slim Jim manufacturing plant explosion in North Carolina, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board approved new standards for purging gas lines. This explosion claimed the lives of 3 workers.
Could this have been prevented?
Experts indicate that turning off all possible ignition sources during a gas line purge prevents explosions of this nature.
How many persons were injured in this explosion?
5 workers were killed and at least 12 workers were taken to local Middletown hospitals with serious personal injuries from the explosion.
If a family member or I were affected by this accident, what costs can I expect?
Costs may range from hospitalization and medication to long-term rehabilitative care. Workers also may experience lost wages and earning capacity, which could greatly burden families who are mitigating the incidental costs associated with such a tragedy.
How can Zehl & Associates help me?
Our industrial accident attorneys can help you recover physically, medically and emotionally from this tragedy. We will investigate and fully inform you of your legal rights and professionally manage your case to maximize your recovery.