JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Two workers were burned after a line carrying hydraulic fluid burst at Johnston power plant Friday afternoon.

Deputy State Fire Marshal James Given told 12 News it appears the clamp on a pressurized pipe hooked up to EDL Energy ‘s coolant system failed.

The power plant, which sits next to the Johnston Landfill, converts the gases expelled by decomposing organic matter into renewable energy.

Given explained that the coolant system provides lubrication to the facility’s energy-generating turbines.

“That oil, when it comes out and enters into the cooler, it’s obviously hot,” Given said.

Given said that, when the clamp failed, scalding hot oil began spraying everywhere.

There were two employees nearby at the time who suffered minor burn injuries, according to Given.

“These were scalding injuries — similar to [injuries caused by] boiling water,” he added.

Both employees were brought to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. Given said a third worker was also hurt but was treated on-site by first responders.

Given said only the affected turbine was shut down temporarily as the oil spill was addressed. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) assisted with the cleanup and removal of contaminated materials.

The cause of the failure remains unknown at this time.

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