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Aircraft Collision Cleanup at Palomares, Spain
A United States Air Force B-52 bomber and a KC-135 tanker aircraft collided over Palomares, Spain, while attempting inflight refueling on January 17, 1966.
The collision caused four thermonuclear weapons to be released. Two of the weapons were damaged when they hit the ground, releasing plutonium, a radioactive material. There was no nuclear detonation.
General Wilson and ADM Guest with Recovered Bomb
Department of Defense
Approximately 1,600 military and civilian personnel worked to decontaminate the accident site for three months following the accident. During cleanup, personnel wore protective clothing and radiation dose measuring devices, and had regular radiation checks. There have been concerns that those involved in the clean-up mission may have been exposed to airborne dust and debris contaminated with plutonium.