The Total Number Of Accidents Involving Nuclear Weapons
Broken Arrows
Nuclear accidents are some of the most terrifying events in history. The potential for large explosions, the release of deadly radiation, and lingering effects that can last decades make nuclear technology harrowing. Nuclear weapons have been a looming Sword of Damocles hanging over the head of humanity since 1945, and they continue to pose an existential threat to all life on Earth. Since 1945 there have been dozens of accidents involving nuclear weapons. The government refers to these incidents as Broken Arrows.
A Broken Arrow event is classified as such when one or more of these conditions are met.
- An accidental or unexplained nuclear explosion
- Conventional detonation of a nuclear weapon, accidental or intentional
- Burning or fire near nuclear weapons
- Radioactive contamination from a nuclear weapon
- Loss in transit, transportation, or operation of a nuclear asset
- Jettisoning of a nuclear weapon from a plane or ship
- Danger to the public
These events likely occur more than anyone imagines. Furthermore, they are likely to continue to happen behind the veil of government secrecy. Here are some rough…
