OSAKA -- Antinuclear activists in Fukui and Osaka prefectures said Tuesday the accident the day before at the Mihama atomic plant was due to Kansai Electric Power Co.'s attempts to cut costs and will negatively effect the utility's plans to burn MOX fuel in the reactor.
As Kepco President Yosaku Fuji toured the Mihama power plant in Fukui Prefecture on Tuesday, offering apologies, local politicians and antinuclear activists who live nearby called for Kepco to answer allegations that the accident was the result of cost-cutting.
The accident occurred when a pipe carrying hot steam developed a hole. Four workers with Kiuchi Keisoku, an Osaka-based Kepco subcontractor, were killed and seven injured.