Cecil Kelley criticality accident

1958 nuclear criticality accident in Los Alamos, New Mexico

The Cecil Kelley criticality accident was a nuclear criticality accident that occurred on December 30, 1958, at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The accident resulted in the death of Cecil Kelley, a chemical operator who was working with a plutonium solution at the time.

Background

The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a premier research institution that has been involved in nuclear research since the Manhattan Project. The laboratory has a history of handling and processing fissile materials, including plutonium and uranium.

The Accident

On the day of the accident, Cecil Kelley was working with a large mixing tank containing a plutonium solution. The solution unexpectedly reached a critical mass, initiating a nuclear chain reaction. This sudden reaction released a burst of neutrons and gamma radiation, exposing Kelley to a lethal dose of radiation.

Immediate Aftermath

Kelley was found unconscious and was immediately transported to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to acute radiation syndrome within 35 hours of the exposure. The incident highlighted the dangers of handling fissile materials and led to significant changes in safety protocols at LANL.

Investigation and Consequences

An investigation into the accident revealed that the plutonium solution had been improperly mixed, leading to the criticality event. The accident prompted a review of safety procedures and the implementation of more stringent controls to prevent future occurrences.

Legacy

The Cecil Kelley criticality accident remains a significant event in the history of nuclear safety. It serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with nuclear materials and the importance of rigorous safety standards.

See also

• List of nuclear and radiation accidents by death toll
• Criticality accident
• Acute radiation syndrome
• Los Alamos National Laboratory