Georgia Power continues the investigation into the explosion that happened at Plant Bowen in Euharlee last Thursday that injured four workers at the coal-powered plant.

On Friday, Georgia Power officials assessed the damage and began their first analysis into what malfunctioned in the Unit Two Generator that caused the blast heard for miles across southern Bartow County. The entire plant has been offline since the explosion, and Georgia Power Spokesman Brian Green says it could remain that way for a while.

“At this time we don’t really have an idea of how the soon we’ll be able to get the plant back online or how long the investigation will take,” Green says. “The Unit Two Generator actually exploded, and at the time we we’re bringing it offline for some preventive maintenance. At that time, we had some equipment malfunction with the generator. But, we don’t have any specific details as to why the explosion occurred. “

Sources inside Plant Bowen confirm that a turbine was being 'purged' with hydrogen gas when an explosion occurred late Thursday afternoon.  What caused the hydrogen gas to ignite is currently unknown.

Georgia Power posted on Twitter late Sunday night, “Thanks to employees, contractors, agencies & officials for invaluable help during & following Plant Bowen incident.”