A massive explosion at Middleton, Kleen Energy Systems power plant has killed at least 5 and injured dozens as rescue work is still under way for missing employees.

Emergency workers have set up two relief centres yesterday, one for employees of the Kleen Energy Systems power plant and another for families and friends to get information.

About 40 plant employees stopped in at Page Hall at Connecticut Valley Hospital throughout the afternoon, according to hospital officials, where psychologists were available to provide stress management. Hospital personnel offered food, beverages and follow-up care.

Mayor Sebastian Giuliano held a press conference yesterday to provide additional updates on the plant’s explosion. So far, there have been 5 deaths reported. The victims names have not been released.

Mayor Giuliano stated the people in the community are not under any danger from substances airborn from the explosion. He also confirmed terrorism has been ruled out.

The building was under construction at the time of the explosion. As many as 50 people were actually inside the building, 100 injured and 4 in critical condition as reported by Fox News. The fatalities are not known at this time. Earlier reports said there had been 2 fatalities but according to CNN, police Sgt. Chuck Jacobucci retracted that statement and is leaving the fatality number as unknown.

Injured patients that were sent to area hospitals were thrown up to 30 or 40 feet and had fractures to the pelvis and extremities.

Residents in the area as far as 20 miles away heard and felt the explosion. Some thought it was an earthquake, others said it shook the house.

According to the plant manager, the site is a 620 megawatt gas-fired power plant. The exact cause of the explosioin not yet known. Search and rescue crews will be working through the night to recover victims.

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