60 Year Anniversary Of United Nuclear Accident in Charlestown

In the 1960s and 70s, on about 5 aces of what is now the 1,100 acre Francis Carter Preserve, the United Nuclear Corporation recovered uranium from contaminated wastewater at its plant.

On July 24, 1964 neighbors thought they heard a nuclear explosion. The accident resulted in the tragic death of Robert Peabody, a worker at the plant. For many years following his death, Mr. Peabody was blamed for the accident, but over time it has become clear that it was the company, not Peabody, who was responsible.

According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Robert Peabody was the U.S. nuclear industry’s first and last fatality due to acute radiation syndrome.

You can read or watch accounts of the accident that happened just off Narraganset Trail in Charlestown at the following links.

https://newengland.com/yankee/history/nuclear-accident-at-wood-river-junction/