Employees injured in Priest Rapids Dam explosion

EPHRATA, Wash. — (Updated with new information at 7:10 p.m.) At approximately 4:15 p.m. today an explosion was reported at Priest Rapids Dam along the Columbia River. At this point there are six confirmed employees with various levels of injury that have been taken to regional medical facilities via airlift or ground ambulance. All six employee families have been notified. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.

The cause of the explosion is attributed electrical equipment and the hydroelectric facility remains stable. Additional informational updates will be made available tomorrow when new details are known.