Russian Hydro-Electric Explosion, Part One

In August 2009, there was a large 'explosion' in the Sayano-Shushenkaya hydro-electric plant.

What occurred was that a catastrophic water-hammer incident ejected the No. 2 Turbine and its associated equipment (some 900 tonnes worth) from its seat.

While not a true explosion, as you can see from the photos below, the damage is on par with a large explosion.

In the days that followed the incident, over 76 people were found dead.

The dam before the incident:

And after the incident.

Continued next week.