A "massive explosion" killed two people and injured at least 100 more at a Middletown energy plant Sunday morning, authorities said.
Middletown deputy fire marshal Al Santostefano said in the L.A. Times that there were "confirmed fatalities." More than 50 construction workers were reportedly on site at the time of the explosion. Neighbors said the explosion happened after employees turned on the energy generating system for a test, however a cause of the explosion is not yet known.
CNN offers quotes from people who experienced the earthquake-like boom Sunday morning.
"It felt like the house was shaking," Peter Moore said. "It was really big."
Nearby, Lynn Townsend felt the explosion and said, "It was almost like an earthquake." She also said that when she went outside afterward she saw, "a very big, bright orange flame" between the plant's smokestacks.
Local news reports in Middletown say the workers "were doing a 'blow down' to clear gas from the lines when the explosion occurred." WTNH also reports helicopters appeared on the scene as well as detectives to "help authorities."
WTNH also quotes Middletown residents' Twitter tweets about the explosion. For example...
"First thought was earthquake or huge gust of wind--whole house shook, very brief but powerful," Middletown local Jennifer tweeted.
Finally, the Huffington Post is offering coverage of this event. Their reports are limited, but say that at least seven ambulances left the scene of the explosion Sunday morning.
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