A drone exploded at a bus stop for Zaporizhzhia NPP employees: one person was killed and others were injured
18 August 23:53
On the morning of August 18, around 6:00 a.m., a drone exploded at a bus stop used by staff of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA reported the incident, citing information from the director of the plant, which is under the control of the Russian Federation, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
One person was killed in the explosion, and another 15 plant employees were injured. Three people are in serious condition.
The director of the Zaporizhzhia NPP called it the worst incident the plant has ever faced.
The International Atomic Energy Agency also reported attacks in the Zaporizhzhia NPP’s industrial zone. However, no threat to nuclear safety was detected there.
“Director General Rafael Grossi calls on the military commanders responsible for these actions, as well as all others who are targeting nuclear power plants and/or their personnel, to immediately cease these unacceptable actions. They are in complete violation of the seven fundamental principles and the five principles and pose significant risks to nuclear safety and security during conflict,” the statement reads.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
A cold shutdown does not mean there is no danger
All six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia NPP are in a cold shutdown state. This was confirmed by the IAEA in its report on nuclear safety in Ukraine, and later, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate reported the same status of the power units.
During a cold shutdown, the reactors do not generate electricity, and their temperature and pressure are significantly reduced. However, nuclear fuel remains at the plant, including spent fuel in the spent fuel pools and storage facilities.
To maintain a safe condition, power supply, cooling, functional equipment, and trained personnel are essential. This is why attacks on workers, power lines, or transportation infrastructure remain dangerous even without a direct hit on the reactor.
What Is Known About the Attacks in the Industrial Zone
Along with the report of an explosion at the bus stop, the IAEA received information about attacks in the industrial zone of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
As of the time the statement was released, the agency had not documented any damage that would directly affect the plant’s nuclear safety and security. No reports of a radiation release or changes in background radiation levels were reported either.
At the same time, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for an end to any strikes on nuclear power plants and their personnel. In his assessment, such actions pose significant risks and contradict the principles established to protect the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
