1986 AD
Chernobyl Disaster
A reactor explosion causes the worst nuclear power accident in history.
- Time period
- 1986 AD
- Region
- Ukraine (Soviet Union)
- Theme
- Science
- Civilization
- Soviet Union
On 26 April 1986, reactor number four at the Chernobyl nuclear plant exploded during a test. Radioactive fallout spread across Europe and large areas were evacuated. The disaster damaged Soviet credibility and reshaped nuclear safety.