An investigation has been launched after an 80-metre wind turbine worth almost £500,000 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 windfarm on Murphy mountain near Fintona in County Tyrone.
Doreen Walker, director of the windfarm, 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 Walker said emergency procedures worked well.
She said: “We are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the collapse of the turbine at Screggagh windfarm.
“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 windfarm turbines, to ensure the site was safe.
“A further statement will be made once the investigation has been completed and the reasons for the failure confirmed,” she added.