Welder's torch cause of gas explosion at power plant

[GWJ_CAS]

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- Investigators are focusing on a welder's torch as the possible cause of Sunday's deadly blast at the Kleen Energy Power Plant, sources said.
The explosion that killed five and injured more than a dozen occurred immediately after the purging, or cleaning, of the underground, natural-gas pipeline that runs about 800 to 1,000 feet through the Kleen Energy plant.
Sources familiar with the investigation and with the purging operation said that welding work wasn't entirely halted during or immediately after the purging Sunday morning. This operation can result in an accumulation of natural gas that must be vented from rooms and enclosures before other ignition sources, such as a welder's blow torch, can be safely introduced, experts said.
Fran Walters, of Florissant, Mo., wife of Chris Walters, a safety manager who died in the blast, said that a police officer told her, "'The building was full of gas and before they could do anything, it was too late.'"
Several sources said a purge was conducted Saturday without incident.
The plant was 96 percent complete and was being readied for a summer opening.



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[AULupstate]

That was all over the news here.

[yahoo]

it was on CNN all day sunday!!! who willl ever know what was the real reason for the blast???? all the top notch safety programs they have in the world today....no way it could have been something UNSAFE????