The following information was provided by the
Florida Bureau of Radiation Control (
BRC) via email and phone:
On May 30, 2024, at 1710 [EDT], BRC received a notification from Cape Coral Fire [department] concerning a deceased individuals body exploding while being cremated. The BRC received this notification because the deceased individual was known to have been receiving pancreatic cancer treatment. A notification was also received from the State watch office. The son of the deceased stated that he did not believe that the deceased had received treatment within the last two months, but he was unsure. Crematory staff stated that a large flame exited the bottom of the oven and they began to feel sick. A crematory employee stated that the body completed the cremation process in half the time expected. The Cape Coral Fire [department] responded. Background readings were observed at 3 micro R/hr and readings within the incident room registered at 10 micro R/hr. An inspector has been assigned by regional manager for immediate response.
The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance:
The contaminated areas have been isolated and locked until the inspector arrives.
Florida Incident Number: FL24-041
- * * UPDATE ON 5/31/2024 AT 1215 EDT FROM MONROE COOPER TO ERNEST WEST * * *
The elevated [background] readings were identified as thorium in the bricks.
Notified R1DO (DeFrancisco) and
NMSS Events via email.