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<p>Definitions of the term accident have evolved over time but the term is not currently
used by the MOD for nuclear weapons transportation. The nearest current equivalent
is 'a Safety Alert', which is defined (in the Joint Services Publication 471) as "An
abnormal event which poses a potential threat to, or causes serious concern for reactor
plant, nuclear weapon, or special nuclear material safety."</p><p>Based on the
definitions used since 1984, there has been one accident involving a nuclear weapon
during a movement by road. This involved a WE177 weapon and occurred in 1987.</p><p>The
reports on this accident are already in the public domain having been released following
a Freedom of Information request in 2007. These can be found on the version of the
MOD website archived for preservation by The National Archives via the following links:</p><p>http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121026065214/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FreedomOfInformation/DisclosureLog/SearchDisclosureLog/VariousIncidentsInvolvingNuclearWeaponsJanuary1987InWiltshire.htm</p><p>http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20070905140554/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/BoardsOfInquiry/BoardOfInquiryIntoTheWestDeanIncident.htm</p><p>There
have been no air transport or sea shipment accidents.</p><p>In 1987 responsibility
for the transportation of nuclear weapons resided with the RAF which produced the
reports, rather than the DE&S Strategic Weapons Project Team's Nuclear Accident
Response Organisation (now called the Nuclear Emergency Organisation).</p>
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