‘Engineering fault’ blamed as wind turbine blades crack and fall to ground

An “engineering fault” has been blamed after the blades from a 252ft wind turbine broke free and fell to the ground.

The incident took place in the early hours of Friday at the Aviva building at Pitheavlis, Perth, with the blades left lying in a wreck on the ground.

While no-one was injured, the wreckage fell near a public footpath.

Aviva was granted planning permission for the wind turbine in 2022 as part of the company’s net zero efforts.

However some residents living nearby had voiced opposition to the plans.

An Aviva spokeswoman said: “Our on-site security team observed that the turbine arms had detached from the wind turbine shortly before 1am this morning.

“Thankfully no-one was injured in the incident, and of course safety remains our top priority.”

Fire crews were called in but no risk of any fire was noted.

The spokeswoman added: “From initial investigations it appears that this is the result of some type of engineering fault.

“The area has been secured, and we are working with the supplier to establish the root cause of this incident, as well as on a plan to repair the turbine and restore it safely to operation.”

Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife Murdo Fraser said there should be an inquiry into the incident.

He posted on social media saying: “This is unbelievable. I have had many local residents raise with me concerns about the visual impact of the turbine which dominates the area, and now this.

“Fortunately there were no casualties but it could have been much worse. We need an urgent inquiry.”