u/LordVirgil

Southeast of Cardston, Alberta, looking southwest to Chief Mountain.

On Jan. 3, 1961, three members of the U.S. military were killed while preparing an experimental nuclear reactor for start up. The reactor, Stationary Low-Power Reactor-1 (SL-1), east of Arco, Idaho, was being studied for possible use in remote radar stations during the Cold War.

At 9:01 p.m., the reactor experienced a very rapid power surge, resulting in a steam explosion. The three men working at SL-1 were killed by flying shielding materials and reactor components. An investigation following the accident determined that the cause was most likely a previously documented issue with a sticking control rod.

This accident resulted in the only U.S. deaths directly attributed to a nuclear power reactor.

You make the call!