University of Utah student threatens to blow up nuclear reactor if football team loses, arrested

A 21-year-old student from Utah University in the US threatened to blow up a nuclear reactor if her favourite team lost a match to the opponent.

What was the threat made by the Utah University student?

On Saturday, an engineering student from Utah University threatened to blow up a nuclear reactor if Utah’s football team lost to San Diego State.

Utah hosted a match against San Diego State at the Rice-Eccles Stadium. Before the start of the game, a 21-year-old woman allegedly posted a threat message on the Yik Yak app. According to police, she said while posting that if the football team did not win against San Diego State, she would explode a nuclear reactor situated at the University of Utah, triggering mass destruction.

Did the woman know how the reactor worked?

Police also witnessed that the student had prior knowledge of working on the reactor. According to the police, she was well aware of the location and attended her classes on the same premises where the reactor was placed. However, there are safety measures for the nuclear reactor as it automatically shuts down if the power level rises to a certain level, a failsafe measure.

Another incident from Utah University

A 19-year-old student from the same university was arrested just a few weeks back for making a bomb threat, specifically towards the Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building located within the campus.
As far as the defeat of San Diego State is concerned, Utah beat them last Saturday.

FAQ

1. When the Utah University reactor started operating?
Ans. The reactor has been in operation since 1975.

2. Is there any monthly drills for the safety of the nuclear reactor?
Ans. Yes, the bomb squad runs monthly drills at the reactor.