Akkuyu Nuclear vows to adopt measures after blast at power plant site that injured two

Duvar English

Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. vowed to compensate damages that occurred as a result of a planned explosion during construction works at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant site, which is built by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom in the southern Turkish province of Mersin.

"Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. is providing all support and help to security forces investigating the cause of the incident in cooperation with the sub-contractor. Measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future," the company said in a press statement on Jan. 20.

Windows of some residences in Büyükeceli Neighborhood were damaged, and two people were lightly injured by the broken glass, the company noted, adding that the wounded citizens received emergency medical treatment.

Houses and greenhouses had been reported to be damaged during the blast by the Mersin Governor's Office on Jan. 19 and Akkuyu Inc. said they were cooperating with local law enforcement to deliver emergency aid to locals who were impacted by the blast. 

"Damages will be delivered after local authorities' damage inspection efforts are completed," the company added. 

The governor's office appointed a team of police to investigate the impact on locals, they said following the blast. 

An intergovernmental agreement was signed between Turkey and Russia in May 2010 for Akkuyu NPP, the first nuclear plant of Turkey that will have four VVER-1200 power reactors with a total installed capacity of 4,800 megawatts.

The first reactor of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is planned to be operational in 2023 when the country will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the republic.