5 spectators injured at old power plant implosion
Aug 3, 2013, 6:06 PM
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) – Authorities say five spectators were injured after shrapnel was sent flying at the demolition of a decommissioned steam power plant in California’s Central Valley.
Kern County Fire Engineer Leland Davis said Saturday that a man was taken to a trauma center with a severed leg and four people were treated for minor injuries at the implosion of the Pacific Gas and Electric plant early Saturday in Bakersfield.
Davis says a 1,000-foot perimeter had been erected around the old plant and that all of the injured spectators were standing where it was permitted.
A Pacific Gas and Electric spokesman says the safe distance had been determined by subcontractors hired to work with local authorities and handle the demolition of the boiler structures on the property.
The plant was decommissioned in 1986.
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Information from: The Bakersfield Californian,
http://www.bakersfield.com
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