2 Injured in Steam Blast at French Nuclear Plant

France’s electricity utility says that two people have suffered slight hand burns in a blast of steam at the country’s oldest nuclear reactor.

Electricite de France, or EDF, denied reports of a fire at the Fessenheim plant in eastern France. On Twitter, EDF said the incident occurred during routine maintenance. It did not immediately provide further details about what happened or exactly where at the plant.

France’s BFM television reported six others were slightly injured and said local authorities said the incident was “the beginning of a fire.”

Anti-nuclear campaigners have long pushed for the closure of the Fessenheim plant and warned of safety risks.

France relies on nuclear energy more than any other country for its electricity needs.