Georgia Power Investigating Cause of Coal Plant Explosion

April 5th, 2013

An explosion at a Georgia Power coal plant in Bartow County injured at least three people Thursday. One plant employee was hospitalized and later released. At least two others sustained minor injuries.

The blast occurred around 4 p.m. at Plant Bowen, located 50 miles northwest of Atlanta, during routine maintenance of an offline steam generator.

“It was heard and felt by people close to the plant,” said Georgia Power spokesman Mark Williams. ”It caused some damage to the building that’s called the powerhouse and it knocked some of the siding off the exterior wall there.”

Williams said no fire broke out and the plant’s cooling towers weren’t affected. He said all nonessential employees were immediately sent home.

“This plant is newer than some of the others. It’s actually one of the biggest coal plants in the country,” said Williams. “Early indications show there was an equipment malfunction. We’re still trying to determine what caused the incident.

Until then, Williams said the plant’s four units will stay offline. State utility regulators are also investigating the matter but say it’s too early to know if additional action is necessary.