A driver attempted to forcefully enter a nuclear plant in South Carolina on Thursday night, shortly after being turned away by security. The incident occurred at the Oconee Nuclear Station near Seneca, when a car with an Arkansas license plate tried to crash through the exit gates. Fortunately, a pop-up security barrier prevented the car from proceeding any further. The driver then reversed and attempted to escape down a dirt road, while Duke Energy security personnel tried to block their path. In a desperate attempt to flee, the driver struck the guards before crashing through a fence and leaving the nuclear plant premises.
Following the incident, the driver traveled a short distance away from the plant, where shots were reportedly fired. The exact details regarding the source of the gunfire have yet to be determined by the Oconee County Sheriff’s office. Strikingly, it was revealed that the same car had attempted to breach the plant’s entrance gates an hour earlier, but was promptly turned away by deputies.
In response to the incident, law enforcement agencies throughout the United States have been alerted to be on the lookout for a silver 2002 Toyota Camry with an Arkansas license plate reading 380-VDR. Fortunately, no security personnel were injured during the ordeal, according to Duke Energy.
The Oconee Nuclear Station has been operating for half a century and is equipped with three nuclear reactors. Despite the attempted breach, officials have reassured the public that the plant continues to function safely. Duke Energy, the operator of the facility, emphasized their comprehensive security measures and the competence of their well-trained security workforce. In a statement, they affirmed that while the vehicle managed to enter an administrative gate, it was unable to breach the multiple layers of security protecting the plant.
