Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear agency, recently admitted
that five
of its staff members were killed in an accident during tests involving
engineering and technical support of new isotope power sources of a liquid
propulsion system, according to a Rosatom statement. The tragedy occurred on a
military site in northern Russia, near Arkhangelsk. No details were given.
It had
previously been reported that a liquid propellant rocket engine blew up,
forcing authorities to close part of a bay in the white Sea to shipping and
causing a spike in radiation levels in a nearby city. Regional media outlets
have also reported that local residents have been stocking up on iodine, a
substance used to lessen the effects of radiation exposure.
As is
typical, Russia’s Ministry of Defense was close-mouthed about the incident. In
a brief statement released only after the story got out, the ministry said:
“Nothing to see here. Is fake news.”
A member of the general staff, on condition of
anonymity, replied to a Western reporter’s question about the incident by
saying, “Was
only minor accident. How you say? A nuclear ‘boo-boo’ so-to-speak. Glowing? What
glowing? Oh, that glowing. Is radiance of supremely happy Soviet
citizens, basking happily in free and prosperous nation led by our Dear
Leader esteemed President Vladimir Putin. Sorry, but I must go now. Do
svidaniya!”
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