An investigation has been launched following the collapse on 14 February of a 337ft (115m) 2.5 MW wind turbine in Wales during strong winds, a precursor of two 80 mph wind storms that hit the west of the UK on 16 and 17 February.
People who live nearby said they heard ‘a noise like thunder’ and a loud bang as the turbine fell. It is located near the village of Gilfach Goch, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The turbine is one of 29 at the Pant-y-Wal wind farm, which overlooks the village. A spokeswoman for the manufacturer of the wind turbine, Germany-based Nordex, said that specialists were investigating.
"No persons were injured. The only material damage that has occurred as a result of the incident is to the turbine itself" the spokeswoman said. "All necessary safety measures have been implemented immediately after the incident. A team of local Nordex specialists with experts from Nordex main office are currently investigating the root cause of the incident together with the wind farm owner. As yet, no reliable statement can be made as to the underlying cause of the collapse."
The turbine appeared to have broken off about 60ft (18m) from its base. The tower had snapped in two and the blades were twisted out of shape and crushed in the fall.
Caption: Credit Gerald Keogh
