Huge explosion hits Kosovo’s power plant
“The blast at coal-fired plant outside capital Pristina has caused a number of casualties.”
A huge explosion has occurred inside Kosovo’s main power plant causing casualties and damaging nearby houses, officials have said.
Police said at least a dozen people were injured in the explosion on Friday outside the capital Pristina, but could not immediately confirm whether there were any deaths.
Officials, however, told the AFP news agency that at least three people were killed and many more were injured in the explosion that occurred at 11am local time.
“Until now we have three confirmed dead and many injured,” Derat Rukiqi, the chairman of plant’s management board told AFP.
The head of Pristina’s emergency centre Basri Lenanji said 13 people were injured.
A black plume of smoke could be seen rising from the coal-fired plant, as ambulances ferried the injured to hospitals. Police sealed off the area, fearing more explosions could follow.
Rukiqi said the blast – heard in Pristina 10km away – was believed to have been caused by gas.
“The explosion was so strong that I thought it was an earthquake,” an injured engineer with a bandaged head told local television from his hospital bed.
Power shortages
The Kosovo A plant is the second largest power station in the country with a capacity of 449 mega watt. It produces more than 30 percent of electricity in Kosovo.
The European Union has described the plant as the worst single source of pollution in Kosovo. It is expected to be closed by 2017.
Kosovo Energy Distribution and Supply Company KEDS said Kosovo had to import 250 megawatt-hours of power to make up for shortages after the blast struck its second biggest power plant.
“KEDS has imported 250 MWh after two generators in Obilic were shut down after the explosion,” a spokesman said.
Kosovo’s main political parties suspended campaigning for the general elections, which will take place on Sunday.
