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Nameplate in front of the headquarters of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) in Tokyo. Inouye/AP/Press Association Images
Japan
Six Fukushima workers doused with radioactive water
Tons of highly toxic water spilled out when workers removed the wrong pipe during works.
THE OPERATOR OF Japan’s crippled nuclear power plant in Fukushima says six workers have been exposed to highly radioactive water that poured out of a treatment unit when they removed a wrong pipe.
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said today that exposure to the workers, who were wearing face masks and protective gear, is believed minor but still under investigation.
Highly toxic water
Tons of highly toxic water spilled out in the incident, covering the facility’s entire floor, TEPCO said.
The mishap is the latest in a spate of recent leaks and problems caused by human error that have added to public criticism of TEPCO’s handling of the crisis.
Last week, workers overfilled a tank without fully checking water levels, causing a leak into the Pacific Ocean.
The company has vowed to monitor the tanks more closely and improve its water management.
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