Drone explodes at bus stop used by Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant staff, one killed - IAEA
A drone exploded at a bus stop used by staff traveling to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on the morning of August 18, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported.
The plant’s director informed the IAEA team that 16 people were affected by the explosion, including one person who was killed and 15 who were injured. Three of the injured were in serious condition.
The IAEA was also informed of attacks in the plant’s industrial area. No damage affecting nuclear safety or security was reported.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for an immediate end to attacks targeting nuclear power plants and their personnel.
He said such actions were “unacceptable” and posed serious risks to nuclear safety and security during the conflict.
The IAEA did not attribute the drone explosion to either side.
What is happening at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant?
Russian forces have occupied the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, since March 2022.
All of the plant’s reactors are currently in cold shutdown, meaning they are not generating electricity. However, the facility still requires a reliable external power supply to maintain essential nuclear safety systems.
The plant has repeatedly lost connections to external power lines during the war, forcing it to rely on emergency diesel generators until electricity supplies could be restored.
The IAEA has maintained a team at the site and has repeatedly warned about the risks posed by military activity around the nuclear facility.