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Russian Agency Confirms Brief Radiation Spike Near Northern Naval Test Site

Mike Eckel - RFE/RL

   Russia's weather-monitoring agency has reported a measurable jump in
   radiation levels near the Arkhangelsk naval test site where an
   explosion and fire last week killed at least five people.

   The August 13 statement by Rosgidromet added further evidence to
   reports that the test at the Nyonoksa range on the White Sea released
   not only toxic missile fuel but also unspecified radioactive material.

   The August 8 incident continues to be dogged by confusion and
   misinformation from local and federal officials, both about the exact
   death toll but also what exactly was being tested.

   The Kremlin on August 13 gave its first statement about the mishap,
   although spokesman Dmitry Peskov gave little new information about
   whether the explosion was the result of a test on a new nuclear-powered
   missile, as some U.S. analysts have pointed to.

   "Accidents, unfortunately, happen. These are tragedies. And in this
   case it is important for us to remember those heroes who lost their
   lives as a result of these accidents," Peskov was quoted by Russian
   news agencies as saying.

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