The Chernobyl disaster, the worst nuclear accident in history, occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union.
The accident was caused by a combination of factors, including a flawed reactor design, inadequate safety procedures, and human error. During a routine safety test, operators made a series of mistakes that led to a power surge. This surge caused the reactor to overheat, resulting in a steam explosion that ruptured the reactor vessel and ignited the graphite moderator.
The explosion and subsequent fire released large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere, contaminating vast areas of Europe. The immediate effects of the disaster included the deaths of two workers, injuries to many others, and the evacuation of thousands of people from the surrounding area. Long-term health effects, such as increased rates of cancer, continue to be studied.
The Chernobyl disaster had a profound impact on nuclear safety standards worldwide and serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of nuclear accidents.