Explosion at French nuclear plant, no radiation

An explosion in the non-nuclear section of a nuclear power plant is under control and poses no threat of contamination, French state-controlled utility EDF said on Thursday.

The fire broke out in a machinery room at the Flamanville power plant on the northwest coast, causing an explosion, but did not injure anybody.  The company said the fire was "immediately" brought under control and the No. 1 reactor was disconnected from the grid.

The fire and explosion does not threaten people or the environment, the company said.

It is not immediately clear what caused the fire or explosion at the plant, in service since 1986.

Atomic energy accounts for about two-thirds of France's power generation.

cw/msh (AFP, EFE, dpa, Reuters)