What happened to the ten key people involved in the Chernobyl disaster? From ... trends now
On 26 April in 1986, the world's worst nuclear disaster took place, yet the stories of the key figures involved in the catastrophic event continue to intrigue and haunt.
Today marks the 38th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, a tragedy that left a haunting legacy of environmental devastation and human suffering.
Almost four decades ago, the No. 4 reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located near the town of Pripyat in what was then the Soviet Union (now Ukraine), exploded during a safety test gone horribly wrong.
The meltdown resulted in the release of radioactive material across Europe, and it is reported by the World Nuclear Association that while around 30 people died immediately, hundreds, if not thousands, later died as a result of radiation exposure.
From the scientists and engineers to the politicians and employees, ten key individuals played a crucial role in the unfolding tragedy and its aftermath.
Here's a look at what became of the figures central to the Chernobyl disaster:
In 1986, the world's worst nuclear disaster took place at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, yet the stories of the key figures involved in the catastrophic event continue to intrigue and haunt
Pictured, attending trial in 1887: Viktor Brioukhanov, director; Nikolai Fomin, assistant director and chief engineer; Anatoly Diatlov, associate chief engineer; Boris Rogojkine, night manager; Alexander Kovalenko, sector n° 3 and 4 supervisor and Youri Laouchkine, a state inspector
The deputy chief engineer of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant at the time of the explosion, Anatoly Dyatlov bore significant responsibility for the disaster.
Dyatlov supervised a test at the No. 4 reactor at the plant, which resulted in the Chernobyl disaster.
In preparation, Dyatlov ordered the power to be reduced to 200 MW, which was lower than the 700 MW stipulated in the test plan - the reactor then stalled unexpectedly during test preparations.
Although he was one of the few working at the reactor that night to have survived, he was later convicted of gross violation of safety regulations and sentenced to ten years in a Soviet labor camp.
Despite his declining health due to radiation exposure, he remained unrepentant until his death in 1995.
The deputy chief engineer of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant at the time of the explosion, Anatoly Dyatlov (pictured, centre), bore significant responsibility for the disaster
As the plant's director, Bryukhanov faced similar charges to Dyatlov and was also sentenced to ten years in prison.
Released early due to health concerns, he lived out his days in obscurity, haunted by the events of April 26, 1986.
As the plant's director, Bryukhanov (pictured) faced similar charges to Dyatlov and was also sentenced to ten years in prison
A young and inexperienced engineer on duty during the night of the explosion, Toptunov suffered severe radiation burns and succumbed to acute radiation syndrome within weeks.
He died from acute radiation poisoning on 14 May 1986, and his family were later informed that his death was the only reason he was not prosecuted for the accident.
In 2008, Toptunov was posthumously awarded with the 3rd degree Order for Courage by Viktor Yushchenko, the then President of Ukraine.
A young and inexperienced engineer on duty during the night of the explosion, Toptunov (pictured, right) suffered severe radiation burns and succumbed to acute radiation syndrome within weeks.
Pictured: the mother of Leonid Toptunov at his tomb in the Memorial Complex on Mitinskoye Cemetery in Moscow Suburbs 26 April 1998
