Radioactive material theft Mexico seven states alert, Digi Mart USA News (Tlaxcala, Mexico): Mexico’s National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) issued a preventive alert directed at Tlaxcala and six other states after radioactive material was stolen on November 7 on the Huamantla-Tlaxcala highway. The alert aims to strengthen prevention measures and help locate the material.
According to the National Commission for Nuclear Safety and Safeguards (CNSNS), the material was being transported from the facilities of the National Institute of Nuclear Research (ININ), located in the State of Mexico, to Xalapa, Veracruz. The vehicle overturned, and several boxes containing radioactive material for medical use were subsequently reported stolen.
The stolen materials include generators of Technetium, Iodine-131, Thallium and Samarium. They were classified in Category 4 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which corresponds to a low risk level.
Authorities warned that although these materials are unlikely to cause permanent injuries, direct handling, especially if containers are open or damaged, could result in radiation exposure or contamination. Residents are urged to take extra precautions.
Anyone who has had direct contact with a suspicious object should move away from the area, avoid touching their face, and immediately report possible exposure by calling 911, following emergency service instructions.
Residents were also asked to avoid spreading rumors or unconfirmed information and to stay alert to notices issued by Civil Protection authorities. As part of preventive action, coordination was established with authorities in Tlaxcala, Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Hidalgo, Morelos, Puebla and Veracruz, given the possibility that the stolen material could be moved to other localities.
The CNSNS reported that, according to preliminary reports, no signs of a radioactive material leak were identified in the crashed vehicle. However, the current condition of the stolen packaging is unknown.
Anyone with information about the possible location of the material may contact the CNSNS at 800 111 3168, 55 5415 2918, 55 2729 9727 or 55 1474 1082. Authorities stressed that citizen cooperation is essential, but no one should attempt to handle or recover the material on their own, as the priority is protecting public health and safety.
