Spanish Fly Is Radioactive: In 1966, U.S. Dropped Bombs on Palomares, Spain, Oswald

Spanish Fly is Radioactive; In 1966 US dropped 4 H-Bombs on Palomares, Spain (Oswald's Closest Friend; The George de Mohrenschildt Story Book 14)

by Aurélie Jean

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

On January 17, 1966, a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber carrying four hydrogen bombs crashed into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain. The crash released a cloud of radioactive material that contaminated the surrounding area. The U.S. government initially downplayed the severity of the accident, but later admitted that it had been much more serious than originally reported.

The Palomares incident had a profound impact on the people of Spain. The radioactive contamination caused widespread fear and anxiety, and it led to a loss of trust in the U.S. government. The incident also raised serious questions about the safety of nuclear weapons.

The Crash

The B-52 bomber was part of a Strategic Air Command mission to fly over Spain and drop four hydrogen bombs on targets in the Soviet Union. The plane was carrying a crew of seven and a payload of four B28FI thermonuclear bombs, each with a yield of 1.5 megatons.

At 10:16 a.m., the B-52 collided with a KC-135 tanker aircraft while refueling in mid-air. The tanker exploded and crashed into the sea, killing all four crew members. The B-52 continued to fly for a few minutes before it also crashed into the sea, about six miles from the tanker.

The impact of the crash caused three of the four bombs to break apart and release their radioactive payloads. The fourth bomb remained intact and was later recovered. The radioactive material from the three broken bombs contaminated the surrounding area, including the village of Palomares.

The Contamination

The radioactive material released by the crash included plutonium, uranium, and americium. These materials are all highly radioactive and can cause serious health problems, including cancer and birth defects.

The contamination from the Palomares incident affected an area of about 2 square kilometers. The highest levels of contamination were found in the village of Palomares, where the radioactive material fell on homes, schools, and businesses.

The U.S. government initially downplayed the severity of the contamination, but later admitted that it had been much more serious than originally reported. The government conducted a massive cleanup operation, but it took years to remove all of the radioactive material.

The Impact

The Palomares incident had a profound impact on the people of Spain. The radioactive contamination caused widespread fear and anxiety, and it led to a loss of trust in the U.S. government. The incident also raised serious questions about the safety of nuclear weapons.

The Palomares incident is a reminder of the dangers of nuclear weapons. These weapons are so powerful that even a small accident can have devastating consequences. The incident also shows the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of nuclear weapons.

Spanish Fly is Radioactive; In 1966 US dropped 4 H-Bombs on Palomares, Spain (Oswald's Closest Friend; The George de Mohrenschildt Story Book 14)

by Aurélie Jean

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE