Today in History - December 18 | Workers exposed to radiation in Baneberry disaster after underground nuclear goes wrong
December 18
On December 18, 1970, hundreds of workers were evacuated following an underground nuclear test, which blew a cloud of radioactive dust 243 metres in the air.
It was the largest amount of radiation exposure at the time, occurring 128 kilometres from Las Vegas.
About half of the workers evacuated from the proving grounds were reported to have radiation on their clothing or vehicles.
Widely regarded as the Baneberry disaster, the underground nuclear test quickly raised alarms about the safety of testing and the potential for radioactive contamination.
The US Government implemented stricter safety protocols in the aftermath of the disaster.
There were no immediate deaths recorded but it's understood workers exposed to the radiation suffered long-term health effects.
On December 18, 1865, the 13th Amendment was adopted as part of the United States Constitution.
More than 100,000 enslaved people, from Kentucky to Delaware, were immediately freed after the amendment officially abolished slavery.
On December 18, 1915, the remaining 20,000 Australians and New Zealanders were withdrawn from the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, marking the end of the campaign.
The British had decided to evacuate Anzac and Suvla just a month earlier.
Anzac Day
Over two nights, starting from December 18 to 20, troopers were withdrawn.
Colonel John Paton was in charge of the rear guard on the last day.
There were virtually no casualties and it's understood the Turkish were unaware that a major evacuation was taking place.
December 18 is also a notable date for celebrity birthdays.
In 1963, one of Hollywood's most celebrated and successful actors, Brad Pitt, was born in Oklahoma.
He grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and later moved to LA to pursue acting.
The 60-year-old has delivered iconic performances in several films including Fight Club and Inglourious Basterds.
Steven Spielberg was also born on December 18.
The 77-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest film directors of all time, with a remarkable number of successful credits to his name, including Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Poltergeist.
American actress Katie Holmes was also born in Ohio on December 18, 1978.
The actress quickly became a household name after becoming best known for her role as Joey Potter on the popular television series Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003.
She has also played notable roles in Batman Begins and The Gift.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
