Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Explosion and Its Aftermath

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded, causing a massive release of radiation and a fire. The problem was that the plant initially reported it as a simple fire, and even measuring it with a small detector showed 3.6 roentgens, which escalated the accident. The subsequently measured level was 15,000 roentgens, a lethal dose within minutes. Firefighters, believing it to be a simple fire, rushed to extinguish it without protective gear, and as a result, the fire in Unit 4 was put out. However, many firefighters died or were left with disabilities due to radiation exposure during this process. Afterward, the Soviet Union recognized that the cause of the fire was the nuclear fuel rods and began operations to drop boron, sand, and lead from helicopters. During this operation, a helicopter crashed after colliding with a crane. However, the heat didn't subside, and they eventually had to abandon the efforts.