Forty years have passed since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster unfolded, marking the world's worst nuclear accident. The catastrophic event on April 26, 1986, released radioactive contamination across Europe, forever changing the global nuclear energy landscape and impacting energy markets worldwide.

Photographs from the immediate aftermath reveal the scale of the emergency response, including the evacuation of tens of thousands from nearby Pripyat. The disaster cost an estimated $200 billion in cleanup efforts over decades, creating one of the most expensive environmental remediation projects in history.

The accident triggered stricter safety regulations worldwide, delaying nuclear expansion projects and accelerating investment in alternative energy sources. Countries like Germany accelerated phase-out plans, while others reassessed their nuclear energy policies in the face of heightened public concern and increased insurance premiums for nuclear operators.