8/27/2011 Vehicle crashes into barriers at Comanche Peak nuclear plant

Source: KVUE.com (ABC affiliate)
Date: August 27, 2011 at 7:06 PM
by: WFAA

SOMERVELL COUNTY — Officials at the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant have confirmed that someone crashed a vehicle into security barriers around the facility near Glen Rose early Saturday morning.

The facility reported the "unusual event" to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the property was locked down, according to a statement issued Saturday afternoon.

Luminant, the company that operates Comanche Peak, said the on-site security team used "appropriate security measures" and that a suspect was apprehended.

The company did not say whether the incident was accidental or intentional, nor did it specify what type of vehicle was involved. It was not made clear whether the suspect was injured.

“We are extremely proud of our on-site security team who acted commendably last night,” said Rafael Flores, Luminant’s chief nuclear officer, in a written statement provided to WFAA. “At this point, our primary focus is on the ongoing investigation, and we are working hand-in-hand with the Somervell County Sheriff’s Office and the NRC as they investigate this matter.”

A spokesperson for the Somervell County Sheriff's Office said the department could provide no information about the incident until Monday.

Luminant said the Comanche Peak plant resumed normal operating conditions on Saturday morning. An "unusual event" is the lowest of four emergency levels established by federal regulators.

Comanche Peak began operations in 1990 and has two reactors. It is located 80 miles southwest of Dallas.

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