IAEA Confirms Deadly Drone Blast at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Bus Stop
Details of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Incident
FRANKFURT, Aug 18 (Reuters) - The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Tuesday that a drone exploded at a bus stop used by staff of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, killing one and injuring several others.
IAEA Statement and Plant Director's Reaction
The IAEA, the United Nations' nuclear power watchdog, in a statement on X also said the plant's director described the incident as "the worst event the plant has faced".
Casualties and Impact
The agency, citing the plant's director, said the explosion at around 6 a.m. caused 16 casualties among staff and subcontractors, including one death and three serious injuries.
Background: Russian Control and Ongoing Risks
Russian forces seized the station, Europe's largest with six reactors, in the first weeks of their February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and each side has since regularly accused the other of actions compromising nuclear safety.
Recent Military Incidents
Among recent military incidents, water supplies to parts of the power station were hit in July.
IAEA Response and Call for Action
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Tuesday called on "military commanders responsible for these actions as well as all others aiming on nuclear power plants and/or their staff to put an immediate stop to these unacceptable actions".
Risks to Nuclear Safety
They "constitute great risks to nuclear safety and security during the conflict", he added.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Ludwig Burger, editing by Miranda Murray)
