Arabic version: اعتبار حريق محطة تونغاتيناه للطاقة حادثاً عرضياً

According to ABC News, the fire that gutted Tungatinah Power Station in Tasmania’s Central Highlands was accidental, Tasmania Fire Service investigators have determined.

Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said extensive scene examinations found the blaze originated on the assembly bay floor, away from the main turbines. Several potential ignition sources were identified and will be examined further in the coming weeks and months.

The fire service said its investigation would continue for several months. The examination process had been complicated by the size of the facility, major structural damage and severe weather conditions in the area last week. The site has been handed back to Hydro Tasmania.

Hydro Tasmania chief executive Rachel Watson said the building had sustained significant damage and would need to be demolished. She said it was too early to say how long rebuilding and restarting the station could take, and the condition of the generating equipment could not be confirmed until safe access was available.

When operational, Tungatinah could generate 142 megawatts, providing close to 5 per cent of Tasmania’s electricity supply. Watson said the loss of the station had been difficult for staff, past and present, who had worked there.