Chernobyl: 15 years later, dangers from atomic energy still linger

April 17, 2001

Fifteen years ago, the world awoke to its most convincing argument for an end to atomic power. Chernobyl Unit Four exploded in the Ukraine on April 26, 1986, blasting lethal radiation into the earth's atmosphere.

The Soviet authorities reported that at least 31 people died, but we may never know the full toll of this apocalyptic tragedy.