Fire at coal power plant in Taean contained; 2 injured

Fire that broke out at Taean Thermal Power Plant in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, Tuesday / Yonhap

Firefighters on Tuesday contained a blaze that broke out at a coal-fired power plant in the western coastal county of Taean and left two workers injured, officials said.

The flames were contained about one hour after authorities received a report of the blaze and what sounded like an explosion at Taean Thermal Power Plant in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, at 2:43 p.m.

The two workers suffered second-degree burns and were moved for treatment. Their injuries were believed to be not life-threatening, officials said.

The power plant has been evacuated and no other casualties have been reported.

Police and fire authorities suspect an explosion occurred on the first floor of an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) facility.

An official at the plant said the fire is suspected to have started from the IGCC piping system.

Established in 2016, the IGCC facility previously suffered a fire in January 2023.

Authorities plan to investigate the exact cause of the fire once they completely extinguish the blaze.