The explosion took place in the engine room of the plant owned by a French energy giant Électricité de France
An explosion took place at the Flamanville nuclear facility in north-west France today morning (10 AM local time). According to reports, the explosion took place in the engine room of the plant owned by a French energy giant Électricité de France (EDF).
At least five people suffered smoke inhalation and a number of people have been left feeling unwell. According to a local official Jacques Witkowski, a ventilator had exploded outside the nuclear zone at the plant. The plant has been in operation since the 1980s.
While firefighters and paramedics rushed to the accident scene, the extent of the damage is yet to be known.
The nuclear plant is just 100 miles from the English coastline.
While officials have played down the possibility of nuclear contamination by saying that the blast happened "off nuclear zone", the explosion will undoubtedly raise fears of another Fukushima-style disaster.
The two pressurised water reactors at the site were built in 1986 and 1987. They produce 4 per cent of France's electricity. Work on a third reactor began in 2007, but the project is running three times over budget. Moreover, France's nuclear safety authority has recently found weaknesses in the reactor's steel. Meanwhile, production in one of the reactors at the site has been halted after the blast.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
India Environment Portal Resources :
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.