Shrapnel from the demolition of a power plant in Bakersfield flew into a crowd of more than 1,000 spectators that had gathered in California’s Central Valley to watch it come down, injuring at least five individuals. According to the Washington Post, one man’s leg was severed.
The steam power plant owned by the public utility Pacific Gas and Electric has been nonoperational for decades (1986).
Cleveland Wrecking Co. of Covina, Calif., the main contractor on the demolition, issued a statement expressing sympathy and vowing a thorough investigation but declined further comment.
“This was a terrible accident, and our hearts go out to the individuals who were injured,” the statement said. “We will be conducting a full investigation and will cooperate with the authorities.”