Nuclear accidents - Kyshtym (USSR)

In the secret Mayak military-industrial complex, the priority was the rapid creation of a "nuclear shield" to ensure the security and independence of the USSR. The accident on September 29, 1957 was kept secret by the USSR for 32 years. This article describes the scenario and the technical causes of the accident, as well as the situation after the accident and the radiation protection measures taken for the population. In addition, the possibility of an accident of comparable magnitude at French spent fuel reprocessing plants is raised, and appears highly unlikely.