The operator of Japan’s crippled nuclear power plant says six workers have been exposed to highly radioactive water that poured out of a treatment unit when they removed a pipe.
Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) said exposure to the Fukushima workers, who were wearing face masks and protective gear, is believed to be minor but is still under investigation. It is believed the wrong pipe was removed.
A large quantity of highly toxic water spilled out in the incident, covering the facility’s entire floor, Tepco said.
The mishap is the latest in a spate of recent leaks and problems caused by human error that have added to public criticism of Tepco’s handling of the crisis.
Last week, workers overfilled a tank without fully checking water levels, causing a leak, possibly to the sea.