World | Pakistan
Gas leak forces Pakistan nuclear plant site evacuation
Officials said a gas leak sparked an explosion and fire on Tuesday that killed two workers at a nuclear plant believed to produce enriched plutonium for Pakistan's atomic weapons programme.
- Agencies
- Published: 19:23 April 8, 2008
Islamabad, Pakistan: Officials said a gas leak sparked an explosion and fire on Tuesday that killed two workers at a nuclear plant believed to produce enriched plutonium for Pakistan's atomic weapons programme.
The Khushab heavy water plant, which is under military control, was shut down at the time for annual maintenance, said a statement from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, which evacuated the facility.
It said there was no risk to the public outside the sprawling facility southeast of the capital, Islamabad.
"All necessary steps were taken," the statement said, adding that the situation "was immediately brought under control."
The commission said the leaking gas was burned off by plant equipment. The cause was under investigation.
Police near the facility say they were advised by plant officials to prepare buses for a wider evacation, then were told they would not be needed.
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