Advertisement

Several injured in French nuclear plant explosion

French authorities have said there is “no nuclear risk” following an explosion at a n...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.30 9 Feb 2017


Share this article


Several injured in French nucl...

Several injured in French nuclear plant explosion

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.30 9 Feb 2017


Share this article


French authorities have said there is “no nuclear risk” following an explosion at a nuclear plant.

M6 Radio in France said five people have been injured in the explosion at French utility EDF's Flamanville nuclear plant.

Ouest France reports that a fire was burning at the scene and emergency services are in place.

Advertisement

The AFP news agency has quoted official sources as saying there is no associated nuclear contamination risk.

"It is a significant technical issue but does not constitute a nuclear accident," Olivier Marmion, director of the prefect's office, told the news agency.

He said the explosion occurred outside the nuclear zone.

Reuters reports that officials at the state-backed company's Paris headquarters had no immediate comment - and local officials at the plant in north western France could not be immediately reached.

The nuclear safety authority ASN said it had no information and could not immediately comment.

The Nuclear plant, located on the Cotentin Peninsula in La Manche is directly across the channel from Britain.

The plant hosts two pressurised water reactors built in the 1980s that produce 1.3 gigawatts of electrical energy each.

A third reactor, currently under construction at the site, has been the subject of widespread protests and delays.

It is due to be turned on in 2018.


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular