On December 18, 2024, a fire occurred at the National Centre for Nuclear Research in Otvozk, located near Warsaw. The incident took place in a laboratory rented by a third-party company, where a gas explosion occurred. Two people were injured as a result of the explosion and were transferred to rescuers for medical assistance.
The fire was promptly extinguished with the participation of 40 rescuers. It is important to note that the fire occurred at a considerable distance from the MARIA research reactor. Reports in the press indicate that there is no radiation threat; however, the information about which specialists or services are making such conclusions is unavailable.
Reaction of Polish Officials
As of the time of official comments from Polish officials regarding this incident, none have been received. However, in such cases, the relevant services usually inform the public about the lack of threat to the population and the situation control. At present, they are simply silent, and the information is being disseminated chaotically through the media.
Is there a danger to Warsaw and Poland in general?
Considering that the fire occurred at a significant distance from the MARIA nuclear reactor and was rapidly extinguished, there is no immediate danger to the residents of Warsaw and Poland in general. The absence of a radiation threat is confirmed by official sources.
Similar Incidents in History
Although fires at nuclear facilities are rare, there have been cases in history where incidents at such facilities attracted public attention. For example, in 2012, an explosion occurred at the Marcoule nuclear facility in France, resulting in one fatality and four injuries. As in the Polish case, no radiation threat was detected.
Events like these underline the importance of strictly following safety protocols at nuclear facilities and the need for prompt response to emergencies to minimize risks to the population and the environment.
