Explosion and Fire Under Investigation in Atikokan

An explosion and fire caused significant damage to Ontario Power Generation’s coal-fired plant in Atikokan yesterday.
OPG spokesman Ted Gruetzner says the blast occurred just before 11 o’clock, in an area where coal enters the plant on a conveyor belt.
Gruetzner says the cause is under investigation.
The explosion in the coal `gallery’ near the plant’s roof was powerful enough to knock off some of the building’s siding.
However, Gruetzner notes earlier reports of 3-walls being knocked down were false.
The 211-megawatt power plant, which employs 90 people, was not producing electricity at the time of the fire.
No one was injured.
Atikokan firefighters and OPG emergency crews had the fire out around 2 o’clock.
OPG has not indicated how long it will take to get the plant back in full operation.