Under the force of strong winds, the chimney of the District Heating Company (ZEC) in Bolesławiec collapsed. The 45-metre structure fell toward the bypass. Fortunately, no one was injured.
As Istotne.pl learned, heat supplies will not be interrupted for now. After the chimney collapsed, the plant grounds and surrounding area are smoke-filled.
“We believe that the cause was a sudden gust of wind. It happened at around 7:40 p.m. All the bolts had been torn off. The chimney was built eight years ago and was 45 metres high. It broke where the connecting flanges were, at a height of nine metres. The most important thing for us is to maintain continuity of heat supplies for residents,” said Wiesław Ogrodnik, president of ZEC.
If the wind continues blowing as it is now, toward Kruszyn, residents will not feel any effects. It will be worse if the wind changes direction and the smoke moves toward the housing estate. Emissions of various compounds are limited before the chimney, but sulphur and nitrogen compounds, as well as coke particles, are released into the atmosphere at an unsuitable height. It will depend on the environmental protection inspector’s decision whether the heating plant can operate for some time without a complete chimney.
When the structure collapsed, the transmitters located on it, including those belonging to the Play mobile network, were damaged. Some parts of the city may experience problems with this network’s coverage.
(information: ii)