Middletown, CT – (News) Experienced New York work place accident attorney, Jonathan C. Reiter, reports at least five workers were killed and a dozen injured in a massive power plant explosion south of Hartford Sunday morning, February 7, 2010, according to the New York Daily News. The explosion occurred when the plant was undergoing a test on the gas line. The intensity of the blast sent shock waves 30 miles away where residents reported feeling an earthquake-type rumble. The states mass casualty plan went into effect, as thirty ambulances, two LifeFlight helicopters and dozens of officials reported to the scene of the ruined billion-dollar structure.
Nearby homes were damaged due to the blast, where witnesses reported seeing a 40 to 50 foot high fireball shoot into the sky after the detonation. The building, which was 95 percent finished, was still under construction and was expected to be up and running for the summer to provide electricity for as many as 620, 000 homes. The blast occurred during a test of the plant’s connection to a natural gas pipeline, but state and local officials were not sure of the cause. The explosion occurred about 11:17 a.m. and destroyed a central part of the billion-dollar structure. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames of the work-related accident after the 911 call came in at 11:19 a.m. Many officials arrived to assist the medical personnel and fire rescue, including the Department of Public Health, which provided tents for medical personnel to treat those found beneath the rubble at the scene. Investigating authorities believed that there were around 60 workers at the plant on Sunday morning. A spokesperson from Middlesex hospital told the news that 11 injured workers were already occupying hospital beds, and more beds were made available at St. Raphael in New Haven and Yale-New Haven. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officials were expected to investigate.
This tragic work place accident that killed and injured workers on the job has changed the lives of many loved ones forever. There is also a possibility that this work place accident may have been avoided if proper safety procedures were followed or machinery was routinely checked. All workers and employees are entitled to a safe work environment and employers have the responsibility to maintain safe working conditions in order to prevent accidents in the workplace. Workers who have sustained injuries or the families of the victims killed in a work place-related accident may be entitled to seek financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills, suffering, rehabilitation and other related expenses. Contacting an accomplished and compassionate New York injury attorney can help you to regain your livelihood in the aftermath of a tragic work place-related accident.
Jonathan C. Reiter, experienced construction accident attorney, can represent you in your time of need. Contact the law office of Jonathan C. Reiter, workplace accident lawyer at (212) 736-0979
