The Nuclear disaster occurred on 26 April 1986 at the nuclear reactor in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near Pripyat in North of the Ukrainian SSR. The incident inspired writer and producer Craig Mazin to make the mini-series Chernobyl. It has become a hit with the viewers and is all rage now.
The Chernobyl wave has hit and many so called Instagram Influencers are flocking to the tragic sites and posting selfies and photographs. There are many photos on Instagram where the visitors are posing for selfies and are also using the relics of the disaster as props.
There is one photo that instantly became viral and not for good reasons. A woman posed for the camera wearing hazmat suit and is wearing nothing under it but a thong. The photo is revealing and pays no heed whatsoever to the gravity of the situation there.
Craig Mazin tweeted “it is wonderful that #Chernobyl HBO has inspired a wave of tourism to the zone of exclusion. But yes I’ve seen the photos going around. If you visit, please remember that a terrible tragedy occurred there. Comport yourselves with the respect for all who suffered and sacrificed.”
We are not clear whether Mazin is referring to the woman in the thong or to all those who are posting pictures from the zone of exclusion in Pripyat. Instagram influencers are going far ahead and can do anything for a few likes and comments. It depends on how far they are willing to go.
After the series, the travel agencies have reported a 30% increase in the tourism from last year. The Gas tragedy hit the city on 26th April, 1986. Two died at the scene of accident and 28 died from exposure to heavy radiation.
Around 116,000 people were rehoused from the 30km radius of the disaster. The site has been open to tourists from late 90s. But the mini-series inspired people to go visit the ghost of a place. Visitors are often given hazmat suits to wear before entering the zone and are checked for radiation levels.