Two casualties reported at Enron UK plant explosion

Enron Corp., Houston, Wednesday confirmed reports of an explosion at a company power plant in the UK. The explosion took place at the 1,875 Mw plant in Redcar, Teesside, at about 2:40 p.m. local time. Two employees are believed dead and two injured, according to wire service reports.

Aug. 8, 2001

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Aug. 8 -- Enron Corp., Houston, Wednesday confirmed reports of an explosion at a company power plant in the UK.

The explosion took place at the 1,875 Mw plant in Redcar, Teesside, at about 2:40 p.m. local time. Two employees are believed dead and two injured, according to wire service reports.

An Enron company spokesman said details of any casualties are not yet confirmed. "Our first priority is the insure employee safety and that everyone is accounted for," he said.

The cause isn't yet known, but local residents were quoted as saying the explosion took place in a transformer. The victims were said to be badly burned and have been taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital.

Three ambulances, a paramedic rapid response car, and a number of doctors were at the scene, according to the report. The ambulance service instigated special emergency procedures following the blast.

Police were called at 2.45 p.m. following a report of a large explosion A police spokeswoman was quoted as saying there is no further danger of explosions.