RUSSELLVILLE — Entergy confirmed Sunday morning in a news release that one person was killed, and three others injured in an accident at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville.
The release states the accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. when a generator stator fell while being moved out of a turbine building.
"We are deeply saddened by what has happened today," Entergy executive vice president and chief nuclear officer Jeff Forbes said in the release. "Our greatest sympathy is with the family and friends of the employee who lost his life, and with those who sustained injuries.
"I also want to express my sorrow and support to all those who work at Arkansas Nuclear One. I know this is especially hard on them.”
The injured workers were transported to a local hospital, officials said.
Arkansas Nuclear One, powered by Entergy, opened its first unit Dec. 19, 1974. Unit 2 was opened six years later on March 26, 1980. According to the plant's website, both units combine to provide around 30 percent of the state's total energy demand.
The release states unit 1 is in a "refueling outage" and unit 2 automatically shut down. The plant is in an unusual event classification, which is the lowest of four emergency classifications designed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the release states.
Entergy officials say both units are in a "stable shutdown condition" and there is no danger to the public.
Arkansas Department of Health official Chris Meyer categorized it has an industrial accident that did not involve any radiation or affect to the reactor.
Arkansas Online will update this story as more information becomes available.
