An experiment at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine caused the reactor to overheat and explode, sending a plume of radioactive material into the atmosphere. The explosion occurred after a failed emergency shutdown during a turbine test, which was undertaken despite incomplete inspections and budget cuts compromising safety. The blast and resulting fires forced the evacuation of Chernobyl and left surrounding areas contaminated with radiation expected to remain for over 300 years.

2. A power plant 15 Kilometers from
Chernobyl exploded after a failed
experiment on the reactor. The turbine-
experiment lead to the failure of the
emergency shutoff system, causing the
core to overheat, blowing the top off of
the facility, sending tons of nuclear-
radiated lead, ash, and concrete ash
into the atmosphere.

3. The control room after the explosion.

4.  The liquid cooling decomposed into
water and hydrogen because of forged
and incomplete inspections of the
facility. The facility was undergoing
budget cuts and forged inspections to
maintain maximum efficiency providing
power to the surrounding areas.

5. An improved model of the turbine at Chernobyl

6.  After the explosion, fires raged
throughout the surrounding area;
causing extensive damage. The
combination of toxic smoke and ash sent
the city of Chernobyl into evacuation.

7.  Hotspots surrounding Chernobyl,
radiated areas, will remain ‘hot’ for over
300 years, and the explosion eliminates
any agriculture in and around
Chernobyl.
 The whole incident deducted 2.3 billion
dollars a year.

8. A view of the power plant today