Breaking News: Chernobyl Zone closed today

[UrbanX]

I've heard from a few good sources, including a couple of mods on here that:
The exclusion zone will be shut with immediate effect to all visitors until at least October.
All tours will be refunded

News Link: http://newsforall.org/archives/4077

It's just breaking, but expect it to be Ukrainian Ministry of Emergency website tomorrow: http://www.mns.gov.ua/

I'm speechless.

 

[Derelict-UK]

what's the reason behind it? are they doing safety checks on the buildings structure or is it work on the reactor?

 

[UrbanX]

In my opinion it could be three things:
1) Something to do with new sarcophagus / maybe part of old sarcophagus has become damaged and they're being uber cautious etc.
2) Building collapse
3) Visitor falling to death / serious injury.

I'm hoping there will be an official reason soon!

 

[audi-adam]

understandable on either count i suppose , shame really as it a urbex paradise of sorts

 

[krela]

I was under the impression this had been brewing for a while... can't put a finger on why though.

 

[Curious Dragon]

Oh no!!! Thats ironic after our discussion earlier.

Where does that leave you and your visit? Has it been forced to a stop now then? Absolutely gutted for you if that is the case. More importantly... has there been any advice to tourists already out there if there is a higher risk than before?

I hope it isn't due to deterioration of the reactor site, safety is paramount.

 

[UrbanX]

Oh no!!! Thats ironic after our discussion earlier.

Where does that leave you and your visit? Has it been forced to a stop now then? Absolutely gutted for you if that is the case. More importantly... has there been any advice to tourists already out there if there is a higher risk than before?

I hope it isn't due to deterioration of the reactor site, safety is paramount.

I'm now back in the rainy UK. I think today had normal visitors from 11:00 - 15:00, and it closed after they left. I don't believe any 'tourists' were staying there today / tonight.

I'm hoping to hear more tomorrow. Hopefully I can get some insider info from my guide, I will share anything I get. I too really hope nothing is up with #4.

 

[Ramsgatonian]

Like you said, I hope this is not some kind of leak in the sarcophagus

 

[Em_Ux]

Sounds like your trip was timed just right.

Lets hope all is ok there.

 

[kathyms]

closed

yes it reads big checks are being done, we await for your next instalment with bated breath.

 

[Acebikerchick]

Lets hope there just doing "essential" maintenance repairs....

 

[sYnc_below]

I was under the impression this had been brewing for a while... can't put a finger on why though.

Something to do with the New Safe Confinement being 8 years overdue by any chance?

 

[UrbanX]

This came out today, but I'd hardly call it an update.

Today , 23 June, the Ministry of Emergency Situations said that the suspension of study visits to the Chernobyl zone is related to protested the prosecutor’s office .

This is due to the fact that the Prosecutor General’s Office filed a protest to the Order of the MOE, which was approved by order of visiting the Exclusion Zone . This procedure defines the rules for visiting the Chernobyl zone , routes, driving on visitors , who were traveling with an introductory purpose , time zone , appearance , etc. ” , – reported in the MOE. In the MOE considered its rightful order .
Once registered with the Ministry of Justice, he (the order – Ed. ) agreed to a number of interested bodies . Namely, the SBU, the Health Ministry, the State Inspectorate for Nuclear Regulation , Ministry of Foreign Affairs ” , – the rescue agency.
It is noted that the final decision on this case will take the court.
His decision will be binding on both parties to the dispute . In the meantime, technical visits to the zone continues: journalists, scientists and others have the right to travel for their profession activity “, – added to the MES .
Recall yesterday , June 22 , tour operators said they shut down the Chernobyl exclusion zone for all the tourists.
Korrespondent.net

I'll keep y'all posted, I have opened correspondance with my guide who is still in Chernobyl...