Reactor 4, Chernobyl

Rare full-resolution photo of Chernobyl's destroyed nuclear reactor building. 30 years ago next week.

Aerial view of the damaged core on 3 May 1986. Roof of the turbine hall is damaged (image center). Roof of the adjacent reactor 3 (image lower left) shows minor fire damage.

A helicopter sprays a decontaminating substance over the region surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear power station

Workers gather for a meeting in this November 1986 file photo, marking the accomplishment of the first stage of the concrete sarcophagus covering Chernobyl nuclear power plant's fourth reactor.

A concrete roof ("sarcophagus") is completed over the fourth reactor. It is built to protect the environment from radiation for at least 30 years. 300,000 tons of concrete and 6,000 tons of metal constructions were utilised.

Download original file 2240 — 1680 px JPG View in browser You can attribute the author Show me how More details The abandoned city of Pripyat with Chernobyl plant in the distance

A new shelter that is to blanket the decrepit sarcophagus covering the No.4 reactor is under construction at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant