Explosion at Washington State Dam Injures Six Employees

Six employees were injured in an explosion at Priest Rapids Dam along the Columbia River in central Washington state, authorities said.

Priest Rapids Dam in Grant County, Washington. Grant County, Washington, Public Utility District

The employees' conditions remained unreported Thursday night. The Grant County Sheriff's Office said the six have various levels of injuries, and some were airlifted to area hospitals and others were transported by ambulance.

The explosion was attributed to electric equipment, the sheriff's office said. It was reported near the town of Mattawa in Grant County about 4:15 p.m. (7:15 p.m. ET).

The explosion did not affect the stability of the dam, the sheriff's office said. Officials said there is no danger to the public.

The Priest Rapids Dam was built in the 1950s. It has 10 turbines and 10 generators to produce electricity.