Fire breaks out in second reactor building of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Vladimir Rogov calls IAEA reports of explosions near the Zaporizhzhya NPP a provocation

Image of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine: Credit: Google maps - Виктор Пятов

An alleged landmine explosion has started a fire in the building that houses the second reactor of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine.

A fire has reportedly broken out this evening, Thursday, September 29, in the building housing the second reactor of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. The Ukrainian authorities said the blaze was triggered by a Russian landmine that exploded due to the constant vibrations caused by Russian missile attacks in the vicinity.

Regular missile strikes in the immediate area surrounding the NPP have raised continual concerns over a nuclear disaster at the power plant in southeastern Ukraine. It is under the control of Russian forces but staffed by its original Ukrainian employees. There has been no word yet as to whether the fire poses any potential risk.

A recent visit was made to the facility by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), headed by its director general Rafael Grossi. He had already commented on Thursday about his ‘deep concern’ over the repeated occurrence of landmine explosions near the Zaporizhzhia plant. Earlier on Thursday, the IAEA revealed that there have already been five landmine explosions this week.

Further equipment deliveries are being organised this week the IAEA said in a statement, as part of its efforts to help ensure nuclear safety and security during the current conflict. A shipment arrived from Sweden on Wednesday 28, and items procured from France and the United States are arriving in the coming days, Director General Grossi said.

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Written by

Chris King

Originally from Wales, Chris spent years on the Costa del Sol before moving to the Algarve where he is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com

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