Today in History: Pennsylvania Nuclear Power Plant Leak caused more than 100,000 Locals to Flee

On this day in 1979, the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania experienced a partial meltdown and radioactive leak. This incident was the worst commercial nuclear accident in the United States.

Although only a minimal amount of radiation leaked experts were uncertain if further meltdowns or possible explosions would ensue and therefore advised pregnant women and pre-school age children to evacuate the area until further notice.

This led to the panic the governor had hoped to avoid; within days, more than 100,000 people had fled surrounding towns.

Although no deaths were caused by the accident, the public’s faith in nuclear power was greatly affected by the incident.