Explosion at U.S. Power Plant Leaves Holes in Cooling Towers, Vehicles Airbags Set Off, and Homes Shaken.

‘Large’ explosion at U.S. power plant — Reports of holes in cooling towers — Homes shook, vehicle airbags set off 

Published: April 4th, 2013 at 8:20 pm ET
By ENENews 

WSBT, April 4, 2013 (h/t Anonymous tip): Authorities are investigating an explosion at a coal plant in Bartow County [30 miles NW of Atlanta, Georgia]. The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to avoid Georgia Power’s Plant Bowen on Covered Bridge Road. Roads in the area are closed. [...]

FOX 5: [...] It is not known how many people were injured. [...] crews were making sure that there was not a chemical spill before allowing workers on the scene. [...] There are reports that there are holes in the cooling towers. Some people nearby said that airbags in their vehicles near the plant were set off by the explosion. [...] Residents in the area reported their homes shaking and loud noises. A large amount of smoke was in the area, they said. Euharlee City Manager Trish Sullivan said it is a frightening, scary day for the city. She classified the explosion as “large.” [...]

source: enenews.com

No serious injuries from Plant Bowen explosion

Euharlee, Ga. — 

Georgia Power crews are investigating what caused an explosion inside their Plant Bowen facility late Thursday afternoon.

Authorities said workers were beginning maintenance in Unit 2 when the explosion happened.

Luckily, no one was seriously injured in the incident. Four people did have minor injuries.

Georgia Power said the plant's four units are offline, but
it does not expect any disruption in service because of
the explosion.

At last check, authorities are attempting to release nonessential employees at the plant, deputies said.

The plant is the second-largest generating power plant in the Western Hemisphere and has 440 employees.

source: 

wsbtv.com