Conn. officials assess damage to homes across river from power plant where explosion killed 5

Damage to homes near Conn. power plant is assessed

PORTLAND, Conn. — Connecticut officials have met with people who live near a power plant where there was a deadly explosion a few days ago to document damage to their homes.

The Portland homes sit across the Connecticut River from Middletown, where Sunday’s explosion at the Kleen Energy plant killed five people and injured a dozen others.

State Rep. James O’Rourke, state Sen. Eileen Daily, Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield and Portland building official Lincoln White assessed damage and listened to people’s concerns Tuesday.

Some residents say the blast caused cracks in walls and foundations, broke windows and damaged garage doors. They say they want details on safety measures before contractor O&G Industries Inc. restarts construction at the power plant.

Fire marshals are investigating the cause of the explosion, which was felt miles away.