Parker Waichman LLP

Connecticut Governor Wants Safety Review After Blast

Yesterday, we wrote about a massive power plant explosion that took place Sunday at a plant under construction in Connecticut that has, to date, injured 12 and killed five. Now, reports Forbes, the governor of Connecticut is seeking a state safety code review. The blast destroyed walls at the Kleen Energy Systems power plant, the […]

Yesterday, we wrote about a massive power plant explosion that took place Sunday at a plant under construction in Connecticut that has, to date, injured 12 and killed five. Now, reports Forbes, the governor of Connecticut is seeking a state safety code review. The blast destroyed walls at the <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Kleen-Energy-Power-Plant-Explosion-Lawsuit">Kleen Energy Systems power plant, the Associated Press (AP) explained prior.

Governor M. Jodi Rell just announced she will be creating two panels, said Forbes. One will determine the cause and origin of the explosion and will look at what could have contributed to the blast, for instance, “construction problems, worker safety issues, and licensing or permitting matters,” said Forbes. The other will be comprised of state agencies, local officials, and what Forbes described as other “experts” who will review the first panel’s reports to see if state or local laws or regulations and building or fire codes require change, according to Forbes. No schedule was discussed; however, Governor Rell said panel reviews need to be “impartial and swift,” quoted Forbes.

Although search and rescue efforts cooled after officials confirmed that all assigned workers had been accounted for, adding that the death toll should be confirmed at five, Mayor Sebastian Guiliano pointed out that rescue crews could not get to all areas of the plant and could not confirm the presence of other victims, said the Associated Press (AP). The blast occurred during natural gas line testing Sunday, said the AP.

According to Deputy Fire Marshal Al Santostefano, somewhere between 50 to 60 people were believed to have been in the area when the blast occurred; multiple contractors were working at the plant, which caused initial confusion regarding who, exactly, was at work on Sunday. Mayor Sebastian Giuliano called the explosion, which occurred at 11:17 Sunday morning, a gas explosion, noting that the cause was not clear, said the AP. While Santostefano believed about 50-to-60 people were on-site at the time of the blast, Mayor Giuliano pointed out that anywhere from 100 to 200 workers could be on location during a normal weekday, reported the AP.

The town is home to about 45,000 people and the blast is considered the worst in its history, said the New York Times. The plant, said the AP, is a 620-megawatt plant, and is being built for the purpose of energy production, using—for the most part—natural gas. Santostefano said Sunday’s workers were employed by O&G Industries, and were purging gas lines when the blast occurred, said the AP. Construction initiated in February 2008 when Kleen Energy Systems signed a “capacity deal” with Connecticut Light and Power for the electricity it produced, explained the AP, which also wrote that construction was expected to be completed by mid-year.

The AP reported that debris is as high as 10 feet tall in some area, with rubble everywhere, according to Santostefano. Giuliano explained that the explosion took place between two generators outside of the building, said the AP.

Middlesex Hospital spokeswoman, Melissa Brady, said 26 people were treated at the hospital. Twenty-one were released the same day; however, three were admitted and two more required transfer to other hospitals because of the severe extent of their injuries.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank Ms. Benita Rollis for all her help. She did a wonderful job helping me.
Tujuana Sanon
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
The Office staff at Parker Waichman has been extremely responsive to all of my questions and concerns, someone is always checking in with me to see how we are feeling, how treatments are going, it puts your mind at rest and they don't allow you to stress out about the small details because they take care of all of them. I am very grateful to have Joanne, Jillian and Cristen helping my family through this. Even the reception staff are always cheerful and pleasant, it is such a pleasure speaking with them.
Kathy Oliva
8 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Michele J has such a great personality and is very knowledgeable. She’s a great asset!!! The Long family is appreciative of her hard work on our case. I would surely recommend Parker Waichman to everyone I know.
Christipher Long
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038