The April 26 Incident
Pripyat was constructed in 1970 as a model Soviet "atomgrad," boasting modern high-rises, cultural centers, swimming pools, and public parks for its 49,000 citizens. In late April 1986, excitement mounted as workers finalized installation of the brand-new 26-meter Ferris wheel, bumper car track, and carnival rides.
When Reactor No. 4 exploded on April 26, 1986, the city was not evacuated immediately. Local accounts report that the park was briefly opened on April 27 to divert citizens while preparations were made for total evacuation. Hours later, 1,200 buses removed the entire populace, leaving the brand-new attractions behind forever.
Environmental Degradation & Radiation
Because the park features broad open concrete plazas, fallout particles settled heavily into moss patches and cracks in the asphalt. The vibrant yellow paint on the Ferris wheel cabins has peeled under decades of intense weather exposure, leaving bare rusted steel frame structures.