Page 119 - Neutrons for Sciences and Society

Chapter 5: The construction of the reactor and the scientific groups
connecting the slabs and fell with them. The five dead were Albert Botta (29), Abder Khader Benfatem (22), Rabah Ben Mohamed Dahmani (28), Abdel Khader Bachir-Elezaar (30) and Belkhacem Khadraoui (22). These men, who died so that the scientists would have the best neutron source in the world, deserve the right to be named in this book. An hour or two after the accident five coffins were delivered. There were four of the most simple and least expensive model, and one more plush, with copper handles. The reader can guess for whom the last one was intended. All who saw this were deeply shocked.
The accident was recalled at the Steering Committee meeting on 14 April 1970. After a minute’s silence proceedings took place normally and Chatoux gave a report on the accident, which would lead to a two month delay. The personnel would hold a collection for the victims, and Hasenclever asked the Steering Committee
to authorise an additional grant of 7000 francs (about €7300 in 2018) to add to this. The proposal was accepted “provided that the collection was seen to be an anonymous gesture, to avoid that the Institut would be held responsible, even indirectly, for the accident.”
Two companies were involved in this part of construction: Campenon-Bernard who assembled the roof and Mills who built the scaffolding. It should be noted that this employed a technique never before used on a building of this size. The scaffolding was very lightweight, and unattached to the walls, hence very unstable. I remember well that I avoided entering the site while the roof
was under construction. Both companies were charged with being responsible for the accident. Finally two leaders from Mills were
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