Wind turbine crashes to the ground after rotor blades 'spin out of control' under light winds
Sound of the crash could be heard seven miles away
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A major investigation has been launched after an 80-metre wind turbine worth almost half a million pounds collapsed on a mountainside in Northern Ireland.
No one was injured when the giant structure unexpectedly buckled and hit the ground on Friday, scattering debris across a wide area. It was one of eight on the Screggagh wind farm on Murphy mountain near Fintona in Co Tyrone.
Doreen Walker, director of the wind farm, said: “There were fortunately no injuries and no personnel on site at the time.”
The cause of the collapse is unclear as winds were light on Friday. It is understood the rotor blades spun out of control and the sound of the mechanical structure crashing to the ground could be heard up to seven miles away.
Some people compared it to an explosion while others claimed to have heard the sound of metal grinding throughout the day.
In a statement Ms Walker said emergency procedures worked well.
She said: “We are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the collapse of the turbine at Screggagh wind farm.
”We are however satisfied that the site's precautionary health and safety alert processes worked well with local emergency services in attendance within minutes of the incident taking place.“
She said officials were ”working closely“ with Nordex UK, the supplier of the wind farm turbines, to ensure the site is safe.
”A further statement will be made once the investigation has been completed and the reasons for the failure confirmed,“ she added.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments