BBC visits Chernobyl ghost city 40 years after world’s worst nuclear accident

Ukraine commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster this Sunday. The incident occurred on 26 April 1986 when Reactor 4 at the plant suffered a catastrophic explosion, releasing radioactive particles that reached vast regions of Europe. While the official count of fatalities from the event in Chornobyl stands at 31, the long-term consequences of the disaster continue to spark debate. A 2005 analysis by multiple UN agencies suggested up to 4,000 deaths could result from the accident, though some estimates propose even greater numbers.

The BBC’s Jessica Parker recently explored the city of Pripyat, once home to the plant’s staff, now a desolate site following the catastrophe. Meanwhile, a charity event organizer shared insights with BBC Radio 4’s Front Row about contacting the new owner of a donated artwork. In Hungary, Rajini Vaidyanathan broadcast from outside the parliament as crowds listened to news about the prime minister’s recent agreement. Europe Editor Katya Adler provided coverage from Felscút, the hometown of Prime Minister Victor Orbán.

“Life has been a ‘living nightmare’ since the day he was taken,” said the mother of a 16-year-old girl who died in a scrambler incident. Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit reflected that she regrets ever meeting late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A commercial flight from Dubai arrived in Dublin on Wednesday night, marking the first such arrival after US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

A northern Italian town kicked off its annual carnival festivities with the Battle of the Oranges, a tradition where participants throw fruit for entertainment. Ms Pelicot expressed disbelief that her life partner could have carried out the atrocities. Meanwhile, storms named Marta and Leonardo triggered severe flooding in Spain, displacing thousands. Russia editor Steve Rosenberg reported from the outskirts of Moscow, where Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was injured in an attack.

Italy’s capital introduced a €2 charge for accessing its famed fountain’s viewing area, previously open at no cost. In Rome, mourners gathered for the funeral of Italian fashion designer Valentino, who passed away at 93. The BBC’s Guy Hedgecoe visited the site, noting the presence of a large police cordon.

Passengers recounted the moment two trains collided between Málaga and Madrid on Sunday evening. Footage from the southern Spain crash showed a damaged train and a passenger emerging to safety. On Kyiv’s frozen River Dnipro, men fished to distract themselves from the ongoing conflict with Russia. Authorities deliberately caused an avalanche on Mount Elbrus to clear accumulated snow. The limited military deployment includes Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Trains are being used to uplift public spirits amid a harsh winter and escalating Russian assaults. Crustaceans valued at €60,000 (£52,000) were en route to Portuguese markets. The video captures the aftermath of the train crash, highlighting the chaos and resilience in the face of disaster.