A fire and explosion at the Flammanville Nuclear Power Plant on France's northwest coast is being described as a serious incident that has no threat of radioactive dispersal into the environment.
European media sources are saying “several” people were treated for smoke inhalation. The Guardian put that number at five.
The fire triggered the explosion, according to multiple reports, which were checked because of possible media confusion as a flurry of conflicting stories described the incident.
Regional authorities said the fire had been “contained.” The event occurred at about 9:40 a.m. on Thursday.
There are two 1,300 MW reactors in operation at Flamanville, which is run by French utility EDF. There is also construction of a European Pressurized Reactor going on at the facility.
The fire and explosion occurred in "the turbine hall," according to The Independent.
The Guardian reported that authorities had already ruled out sabotage as a cause of the incident. A nuclear power industry consultant from Paris, Mycle Schneider, was quoted as saying he did not consider the incident major at all, although any incident at a nuclear power plant is to be taken seriously.