Brazil — Historical Events Description

Brazil flag
Brazil
Event
The Goiânia Accident
Category
Other
Date
1987-09-13
Country
Brazil
Description

On September 13, two scavengers broke into an abandoned radiotherapy clinic in Goiânia and stole a lead-shielded canister containing Cesium-137. Unaware of the danger, they partially dismantled the device and sold it to a scrapyard, where the capsule was opened, releasing a glowing blue radioactive powder. The incident resulted in four immediate deaths and the contamination of approximately 249 people.