Radioactive isotopes of strontium, barium and lanthanum being reported to be observed in test samples by Russia state weather agency after a mysterious accident at a military state.

 

On August 08, a deadly accident caused a surge in radiation level in the nearby city of Severodvinsk.

As stated by President Vladimir Putin, the mishap occurred during testing of what disguised to be a new promising weapon system for the Russian military.

The radiation spike was observed as a result of a cloud of inert radioactive gases formed by the decay of isotopes at Severodvinsk, as said by weather agency in a statement. On later investigation, the isotopes were found to be Strontium-91, Barium-139 and Lanthanum-140, which have half-lives of 9.3 hours, 83 minutes, 12.8 days and 40 hours respectively.

Russia state nuclear agency has said five of its staff members were killed and three injured in a blast during a rocket test on a sea platform that involved isotope power sources. Incident was suspected to be tests of a nuclear-powered cruise missile.

As stated by Norway nuclear test-ban monitor, on Friday that the explosion that killed the scientists was followed by a second blast two hours later. The second explosion was probably from an airborne rocket powered by radioactive fuel, the Norsar agency said - though the governor of Russia Arkhangelsk region, where the blast took place, dismissed reports of another blast.