Firefighters were called to a Nuclear Power Plant in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania after multiple phone calls on flashes and loud noises. According to the Mocanaqua Volunteer Fire, emergency responders were called to a power plant on Salem Boulevard in Salem Township, around 7 p.m. Tuesday. At that time, officials say there were reports of explosions and visible light emissions. Video from a Salem Township firefighter captured a bright light illuminating the sky as crews made their way toward the area. You can see that video in the player above. Initial reports led responders to believe there was a fire in the hydrogen storage facility with a burn victim. However, it was later determined this was false.Members of the Mocanaqua met with plant personnel who explained there was no fire or burn victims. Officials say the noise and flashes happened while workers were conducting a routine hydrogen storage tank filling operations.The fire department explained what lead to the controlled blast during that operation: “During the process, a temporary pressure buildup occurred due to a temperature increase, which caused gas expansion and elevated internal pressure. In accordance with system design, safety relief devices automatically activated when the pressure exceeded safe limits. The excess hydrogen was safely directed to the flare system, where it was combusted under controlled conditions.” Officials say the safety system worked as intended and no damage, injuries or fire were reported, adding there was no threat to the community.
SALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. —
Firefighters were called to a Nuclear Power Plant in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania after multiple phone calls on flashes and loud noises.
According to the Mocanaqua Volunteer Fire, emergency responders were called to a power plant on Salem Boulevard in Salem Township, around 7 p.m. Tuesday.
At that time, officials say there were reports of explosions and visible light emissions. Video from a Salem Township firefighter captured a bright light illuminating the sky as crews made their way toward the area. You can see that video in the player above.
Initial reports led responders to believe there was a fire in the hydrogen storage facility with a burn victim. However, it was later determined this was false.
Members of the Mocanaqua met with plant personnel who explained there was no fire or burn victims.
Officials say the noise and flashes happened while workers were conducting a routine hydrogen storage tank filling operations.
The fire department explained what lead to the controlled blast during that operation:
“During the process, a temporary pressure buildup occurred due to a temperature increase, which caused gas expansion and elevated internal pressure. In accordance with system design, safety relief devices automatically activated when the pressure exceeded safe limits. The excess hydrogen was safely directed to the flare system, where it was combusted under controlled conditions.”
Officials say the safety system worked as intended and no damage, injuries or fire were reported, adding there was no threat to the community.