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One killed, 3 hurt in French nuke plant explosion

Last updated on: September 12, 2011 22:42 IST
Rescue services evacuate a person injured after an explosion at the French nuclear waste treatment site of Marcoule
One person was killed and three others were injured in an explosion at a nuclear plant in Marcoule, southern France, on Monday. Security has been tightened around the plant in the wake of reports of a possible leak following the blast.

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Explosion occurred after fire in radioactive waste storage site

Last updated on: September 12, 2011 22:42 IST
A technician checks radioactivity levels after an explosion at the French nuclear waste treatment site
According to the BBC, the explosion is said to have occurred following a fire in a storage site for radioactive waste. It quoted the Le Figaro newspaper, as saying that the plant in Marcoule is a major site, as it is involved with the decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

It produces MOX fuel, which recycles plutonium from nuclear weapons, but does not include any reactors.

No leak from nuclear plant

Last updated on: September 12, 2011 22:42 IST
France's Ecology, Transport and Housing Minister Kosciusko-Morizet arrives after an explosion
A spokesman for France's atomic energy commission said there had so far been no leak but a security perimeter had been set up because of the risk.

The plant is located in the Gard department in Languedoc-Roussillon region, near France''s Mediterranean coast.

Source: ANI