Today in History – April 26: Nuclear Disaster, Poetic Justice, and Technological Firsts

April 26 is marked by both devastation and innovation. From the world’s worst nuclear accident to the creation of iconic entertainment technology, this day has left a lasting imprint on history, energy policy, and culture.

Let’s explore what happened on April 26 throughout history.

1986 – Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster Occurs

On April 26, 1986, Reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant near Pripyat, in the Soviet Union (now Ukraine), exploded during a late-night safety test gone wrong.

The explosion released massive amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere. It remains the worst nuclear disaster in history, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and contaminating vast areas of Europe.

Chernobyl had profound global consequences, influencing nuclear policy, environmental movements, and public trust in government.

1937 – Guernica Is Bombed During Spanish Civil War

The small town of Guernica in northern Spain was bombed by Nazi German and Italian Fascist warplanes on April 26, 1937. The attack, carried out to support Francisco Franco’s forces, killed hundreds of civilians.

It was one of the first aerial bombings targeting a civilian population and inspired Pablo Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica,” a haunting depiction of suffering and anti-war sentiment.

1564 – William Shakespeare Is Baptized

While Shakespeare’s exact birthdate is unknown, historical records confirm he was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His literary genius would later produce some of the most influential works in world literature, including Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear.

Many scholars traditionally mark April 23 as his birthdate, possibly aligning it with his death in 1616.

1989 – First Game Boy Released in Japan

On April 26, 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy in Japan. The handheld console revolutionized portable gaming and became a global phenomenon.

Bundled with Tetris, the Game Boy would sell over 100 million units worldwide, laying the foundation for Nintendo’s future dominance in the gaming industry.

1994 – South Africa Holds Its First Multiracial Elections

South Africa held its first democratic and fully inclusive elections beginning on April 26, 1994. The elections lasted three days and marked the official end of apartheid.

Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) won in a landslide. Mandela would be inaugurated as South Africa’s first Black president on May 10, 1994.

Famous Birthdays on April 26

Marcus Aurelius (121 AD) – Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher
Known for his book Meditations, Marcus Aurelius ruled during the height of the Roman Empire and remains a symbol of wise leadership.

John James Audubon (1785) – American ornithologist and painter
Famous for his detailed illustrations in The Birds of America, Audubon is a key figure in early American science and conservation.

Jet Li (1963) – Chinese martial artist and actor
An international film star known for roles in Hero, Fearless, and Romeo Must Die, Jet Li helped bring Chinese martial arts to global audiences.