The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urged an immediate halt to attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on the 18th (local time), following a drone explosion at a bus stop for plant workers in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian facility that resulted in numerous casualties.

The IAEA stated on social media X that day, "We received reports that a drone exploded around 6 a.m. today at a commuter bus stop used by Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant workers."

The director of the Zaporizhzhia plant informed the IAEA team dispatched to the site that "a total of 16 casualties, including plant employees and contractors, occurred due to this explosion, with 1 person killed and 3 seriously injured."

The IAEA described and condemned the attack as one of the worst incidents facing the plant.

The IAEA added, "We were also informed that additional attacks took place within the industrial zone of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, but no direct structural damage to nuclear safety and security has been reported so far."

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, was seized by Russia following its invasion of Ukraine and remains under Russian control to this day.

Whenever fighting or drone attacks occur between Russia and Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia plant, concerns over nuclear accidents, such as radiation leaks, have repeatedly been raised.

(Photo: Getty Images)