Wind Turbine Collapse: Explosions, Fire, Earthquake, Nothing to See Here

"Noble Environmental Power Confirms Altona Turbine Collapse"
WPTZ (March 9, 2009)

"ALTONA, N.Y. -- Noble Environmental Power has confirmed that a turbine collapsed at its Altona, N.Y., wind park Friday morning, but said no one was injured in the collapse and ensuing fire.

"In a statement released by the company Friday, company spokeswoman Maggy Wisniewski confirmed one turbine had collapsed and that a small fire resulted, but she refused to speak on the record with a NewsChannel 5 reporter...."

One possibility is that one of the turbines cast a blade. That might explain the earthquake-like sensations residents noticed.

Noble Environmental Power may have a good reason for clamming up about this little incident, that clogged traffic with their trucks, but I'm not sure it's the best idea, to let people's imaginations run free after explosions, fires, and an earthquake at one's facility.

Oh, well: we'll probably get used to this sort of thing, as wind power becomes more commonly used. Enthusiasts notwithstanding, all technologies have had downsides, right back to string and fire.