The Chernobyl nuclear disaster, one of the most catastrophic nuclear accidents in history, occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. It was the result of a flawed reactor design and operator errors during a safety test.

During the test, a sudden power surge led to a massive explosion, causing a fire that released radioactive materials into the atmosphere. The immediate impact was the loss of two plant workers’ lives, while many more suffered from acute radiation sickness. In response, a massive concrete sarcophagus, the “Chernobyl Shelter,” was built to contain the radioactive debris.

The aftermath of the disaster was devastating. The nearby city of Pripyat was evacuated, and a large exclusion zone was established. Thousands of people were affected by radiation, leading to long-term health issues and fatalities. The incident also prompted global awareness about nuclear safety and led to significant changes in nuclear reactor design and safety protocols. Today, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone serves as a haunting reminder of the perils of nuclear power.