You're reading: DTEK connects additional power units, puts off repairs due to fire at Vuhlehirska plant

Kyiv – Ukraine's largest private vertically integrated energy holding DTEK has connected to the integrated power grids of Ukraine all its power units working on Zh brand coal, and put off all the repairs because of an accident at Vuhlehirska Thermal Power Plant operated by PJSC Centrenergo (Svitlodarsk, Donetsk region), DTEK's press service reported.

“DTEK has connected all the power units of its thermal power plants, working on Zh brand coal, and put off all the repairs to ensure the reliable operation of the power grids. Combustion of additional volume of Zh brand coal will also help reduce the effects of the accident on coal enterprises. All the commands of the grid operator – the national power company Ukrenergo are fully implemented,” the press service quoted Director for Business Operations at DTEK Andriy Favorov as saying.

As reported, the fire totally destroyed four of Vuhlehirska power plant’s seven power units. One person was killed in the fire and five were injured.

At the same time, Channel 5 reported that eight people injured as the result of the fire were in hospital and their condition was improving.

The blaze reportedly started as a result of the ignition of coal dust in the second unit of Vuhlehirska TPP at 1515 on Friday, and then spread to the roof of the building.

The blaze was extinguished at 0540 on Saturday. Its cause is being established.

The plant’s operation has been suspended.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Vilkul, at the moment, the electricity, water and gas supply to the town of Svitlodarsk has been fully restored. There are still problems with heating.