Explosion rocks third Fukushima reactor

Explosion rocks third Fukushima reactor

14 March 2011http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS_Explosion_rocks_third_Fukushima_reactor_1402111.html

Another explosion has rocked the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, this time at the third reactor unit. Initial analysis is that the containment structure remains intact.

News of the explosion came at the same time as details of an earthquake but it is unclear if the events are connected.

Chief cabinet secretary Yukiyo Edamo appeared on television stating that the blast was a hydrogen explosion. He said contact had been made with the plant manager whose belief is that the containment structure, important to nuclear safety, remains intact.

The rationale for that statement, Edamo said was that water injection operations have continued and pressure readings from the reactor system were with a comfortable range.