October 30, 2013
Netherlands

Dead in Ooltgensplaat wind turbine fire

Posted by Audrey Graanoogst | 30 October 2013 | NL Times | www.nltimes.nl

A wind turbine caught fire Tuesday afternoon in Ooltgensplaat on Goeree-Overflakkee, costing the lives of two mechanics. Four mechanics were at work in the wind turbine on the Mariadijk, about 80 meters above ground, Tuesday afternoon. By a cause, yet unknown, a fire started in the engine room.

Two mechanics managed to get themselves to safety in time, reported a police spokesperson. Rescuers found the body of a deceased mechanic next to the wind turbine on the ground.

Because of the height the fire department initially had trouble extinguishing the fire in the engine room. In the evening, a special team of firefighters went up with a large crane, and found the body of the missing man.

The cause of the fire is unclear. The identity of the victims has not been disclosed. The Inspectorate for Social Affairs, formerly the Labour inspection, commenced an investigation.

An eyewitness reported to RTV Rijnmond she saw two mechanics sitting on the tip of the turbine. She saw them jump through the fire toward stairs.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/30/dead-in-fire-wind-turbine-ooltgensplaat/