‘Highly Improbable Factors’ Caused Chemical Explosion

So far I cannot name the exact cause of the accident at the fourth power unit of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The processing of the data, on whose basis we can draw an indisputable conclusion, is still under way. Scientists and experts continue their work.

Yet today I can say with absolute certainty that there was no nuclear explosion. It is most probable that a chemical explosion took place.

We had consultations with Hans Blix, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and agreed that when the investigations are over we shall submit a report to that organization. Moreover, experts from many countries will assemble in Vienna and Soviet scientists will make a detailed report about Chernobyl to them.

I must note that this is a serious accident. We have had nothing like this since the nuclear power industry came into being in the Soviet Union. The accident was caused by a combination of highly improbable technical factors.

Although so far I cannot speak with certainty, we are inclined to believe that the personnel made mistakes that complicated the situation. The principles of individual operations may have been misused.

In any case Chernobyl-type plants in other areas of the Soviet Union--near Leningrad, Kursk, Smolensk and elsewhere--are functioning normally. Moreover, even the reactors that have been stopped at Chernobyl are ready to operate and there are servicing personnel, though not the full complement, attending them. Two units can be switched on quickly; the third unit, which is next to the fourth one that was affected by the accident, needs an overhaul.

The population was evacuated on April 27. It is true that people in the area were exposed to nuclear radiation. But it must be said that the radiation was not intense.

Of the many thousands of people who were evacuated from the Chernobyl area, only about 200 have been taken to hospitals. So the proportion of those committed to the hospital is quite small. Eighteen of them were in a grave state; we had a report Wednesday that of these 18, only 13 are still in that condition. The medical service has taken most resolute steps. The evacuees go through regular check-ups and the victims are being given treatment. All persons exposed to radiation have been registered. Doctors are keeping an eye on them.

It is hard to say at this stage when the evacuees will be able to return to their homes. The overall radiation situation has to improve.

But large-scale work is under way to decontaminate the soil, buildings, structures and homes. Decontamination is being carried out by means of various detergents. A thin upper layer is being removed from the soil and roads. The depth of penetration of radioactive isotopes is insignificant. When we achieve natural radiation background, the local residents will come back.

What has happened at the Chernobyl plant is a tragedy. But it shows once again that nuclear power has to be treated with utmost care.

In this case we are dealing with nuclear power used for peaceful purposes, with a controlled nuclear reactor. But atomic energy is enclosed in nuclear weapons, too. It is specifically intended for mass destruction.

The Soviet Union has been insistently pressing for an end to nuclear tests. We know all too well what vast damage can be the consequence of a nuclear war. It will be a catastrophe.