This Day in History: 1961-01-03

Explosion at SL-1 nuclear reactor on this day in 1961 in Idaho Falls. The Atomic Energy Commission research reactor blew up after an operator pulled a control rod out of the reactor, triggering an out-of-control power surge, partial meltdown, and an explosive release of radioactive steam. One of three workers killed is impaled on a control rod, and all three are so heavily contaminated that they are buried in lead coffins. When nuclear power advocates say that no one has ever died from nuclear power in the US, this is the accident they are overlooking.