Middletown Fire Department is reporting a power plant explosion at the Kleen Energy Plant this morning, causing at least five fatalities and a blast felt as far as 15 miles away. All three district fire stations have responded. From the Hartford Courant:

An explosion has occurred at the power plant on River Road in Middletown.

Dozens of ambulances and fire trucks raced to the scene of the explosion, and black smoke was visible for miles, witnesses said.

Details are few at this time, however, police are advising everyone to stay away from the area.

Houses shook as far away as Durham because of the explosion , witnesses said.

CNN: At least 2 dead in Connecticut power plant explosion

MSNBC: ‘Huge’ explosion reported at Conn. power plant

Hartford Courant: At Least 100 Hurt, and “Confirmed Fatalities” After Explosion

Wesleyan All-Campus Email:

Although there were reports that some campus residents felt the explosion, there has been no reported damage in the vicinity of the campus and there is no danger to the campus community.  University officials have been in touch with local authorities to offer assistance if Wesleyan resources can be helpful in responding to the incident.  There are reports of injuries and perhaps some fatalities at the power plant, and our thoughts are with those in the larger Middletown community who were immediately impacted by this event.

UPDATE- NYTimes: Officials suspended the search for survivors early Monday, fearing for the rescue workers’ safety

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