Battle to prevent nuclear meltdown

ENGINEERS in Japan are battling to prevent a meltdown at a stricken nuclear plant, after a third explosion occurred at a fresh reactor late last night.

Two previous explosions tore through Unit 1 and Unit 3 reactor buildings. The latest explosion is understood to have occurred at the Unit 2 reactor.

Reports last night said part of one of the containers at one the reactors may be damaged, raising the spectre of possible serious radiation leaks. The radiation levels in the air around the reactor had increased fourfold last night.