by April Scheinoha
Reporter

No injuries were reported after a City of Thief River Falls power plant turbine exploded early Tuesday morning. The explosion caused extensive damage to Turbine 2, one of two turbines used by the city. The city also has a diesel turbine on standby. City power was unaffected by the explosion.

The explosion was reported by Hugo’s employees at 1:04 a.m. Tuesday, according to Mayor Brian Holmer. The explosion then led to a fire inside the power plant. Thief River Falls firefighters were on the scene for about two hours. Holmer commended their work and the work of Electrical Department staff after the incident.

Turbine 2 sustained extensive damage in the explosion. Holmer said the Electrical Department was assessing the extent of the damage Tuesday morning. He added that the turbine is inoperable and the cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. Turbines 1 and 2 were installed in 1927.