List of military nuclear accidents

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Slotin criticality drawing

List of Military Nuclear Accidents

The List of Military Nuclear Accidents comprises a comprehensive chronology of incidents involving nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors within the military sector. These events range from accidental detonations and lost nuclear bombs to reactor meltdowns and radiation exposure incidents. The significance of these accidents lies not only in their immediate impact but also in their long-term implications for nuclear safety, environmental health, and international relations.

Overview

Military nuclear accidents can occur during the design, testing, operation, and disposal phases of nuclear weapons and reactors. These incidents often result from human error, technical failure, or a combination of both. The consequences vary widely, from minimal impact to catastrophic damage, including loss of life, long-term health issues due to radiation exposure, and environmental contamination.

Notable Incidents

1950s

• Castle Bravo Test (1954): The United States conducted a nuclear test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, which resulted in a much larger explosion than expected. This caused significant radiation poisoning to the local inhabitants and crew members of a Japanese fishing boat, the Fukuryu Maru, exposing them to high levels of radiation.

1960s

• Palomares Incident (1966): A mid-air collision between a U.S. B-52 bomber and a KC-135 tanker over Palomares, Spain, resulted in the release of four hydrogen bombs. Although none detonated, two of the bombs' conventional explosives went off, dispersing plutonium over the area.
• Thule Accident (1968): A U.S. B-52 bomber carrying four hydrogen bombs crashed near Thule Air Base in Greenland, causing widespread contamination by radioactive materials.

1980s

• 1980 Damascus Titan missile explosion: An explosion in a Titan II missile silo in Damascus, Arkansas, caused by a fuel leak, led to the ejection of a nuclear warhead from the silo.

Prevention and Response

Efforts to prevent military nuclear accidents include stringent safety protocols, regular maintenance and inspection of nuclear arsenals and facilities, and continuous training for personnel. In the aftermath of an accident, response measures may involve evacuation, decontamination, medical treatment for radiation exposure, and environmental remediation.

Impact

The impact of military nuclear accidents extends beyond immediate physical damage, posing significant challenges for public health, environmental protection, and nuclear non-proliferation. These incidents have also influenced public opinion on nuclear weapons and energy, leading to calls for greater transparency, accountability, and disarmament efforts.

See Also

• Nuclear and radiation accidents and incidents
• List of civilian nuclear accidents
• International Nuclear Event Scale

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