Taean Thermal Power Plant Fire in South Chungcheong Contained in One Hour... Two Workers Seriously Injured (Update)

Explosion Suspected at Coal Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plant Building
Two Workers Seriously Injured at the Site

The fire that broke out at the Taean Thermal Power Plant in Wonbuk-myeon, Taean County, South Chungcheong Province, was brought under control within an hour. Two workers at the site sustained serious injuries as a result of the fire.

According to fire authorities, the fire was reported at 2:43 p.m. on December 9. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene at 3:05 p.m., deploying 77 personnel and 32 pieces of equipment, and managed to contain the main blaze by 3:49 p.m.

Yonhap News Agency

Authorities suspect that the explosion occurred during the process of replacing a heat exchanger burner on the first floor of the coal gasification combined cycle power plant building. They stated that there was no risk of additional explosions or further spread of the fire.

As a result of the accident, two workers at the site suffered second-degree burns.

One injured worker was transported to Seosan Medical Center, and the other to Jungang Hospital, where both received emergency treatment. Plans are in place to transfer them by helicopter to Daejeon Hospital for further medical care.