Several people have reported hearing explosions near the Sewell Mining power plant area. An evacuation alarm was also heard shortly after 21:00, but the company has not answered phone calls and further details remain unavailable.
TSTOSNEWS has received multiple reports of loud explosions heard from the direction of the Sewell Mining power plant. The first report of the explosions reached the newsroom at approximately 21:00.
According to witnesses, several loud blasts were heard in the area, followed by what appeared to be an evacuation alarm. It is not yet known what caused the explosions, whether anyone has been injured, or whether the incident is connected to ongoing activity at the power plant.
TSTOSNEWS has attempted to contact Sewell Mining by phone, but the company has not answered. No additional information has been made available through other official channels.
A TSTOSNEWS reporter attempted to approach the power plant area to verify the situation, but Sewell Mining personnel denied access to the site. According to the personnel at the scene, there is radioactive contamination in the area, and entry is prohibited until further notice.
Sewell Mining later sent a brief statement by email, saying that an industrial accident had occurred at the power plant. According to the company, contaminated material has spread within the area, making it unsafe for anyone to enter.
“Cleanup operations are currently underway, and access to the area has been restricted for safety reasons,” Sewell Mining stated in the email.
The company did not specify what kind of contaminated material is involved, how widely it has spread, or whether the explosions heard earlier in the evening were directly related to the reported accident.
Sewell Mining has published a map showing the restricted area around the power plant. According to company personnel, the area is expected to be safe again at approximately 23:00, provided that the cleanup work proceeds as planned.
TSTOSNEWS will continue to monitor the situation and publish updates if Sewell Mining releases further information or if the safety status of the area can be independently confirmed.
Sewell Mining has restricted access to the power plant area after reported explosions and radioactive contamination. The company estimates that the area may be safe again at 23:00.