Let’s face it, Rhode Island has a mixed reputation to out-of-staters. While some view the state as a magical paradise with gorgeous beaches and wonderful attractions, others focus a little more on our less than perfect tourism campaigns, corrupt politicians, and small size. Regardless of what thoughts come to mind, one thing most people would agree on is how unique of a place the Ocean State really is. Knowing this, it comes as no surprise that some pretty crazy things have happened here. Few things are as unorthodox as this historic, yet overlooked event.

Most people know Charlestown as a gorgeous coastal town in Washington County, but others know it has the site of a deadly nuclear accident. Set off the beaten path in a secluded thousand plus acres of property stood a nuclear plant in Wood River Junction.
Flickr/Gary Brownell
The plant known as United Nuclear had several facilities across the country and employed hundreds of workers.
Flickr/Josh McGinn
The day of July 24th, 1964 started off as any other at the plant, until the end of one worker's shift.
Flickr/Beau Lebens

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Though trained and experienced, United Nuclear technician, Robert Peabody, thought he was following procedure when he poured what he perceived to be trichloroethane into a mixing vat. He immediately knew there was a potentially deadly mixup when the chemicals instantly achieved criticality and set off a flash of light.
Wikipedia
The poorly marked container actually held a potentially radioactive concoction that was mixed with just the right ingredients to create a small explosion.
Flickr/Nomad Tales
Though 37 year old Peabody survived the minor blast and immediately ran from the contamination, he succumbed to radiation poisoning and past away shortly after the incident.
Wikipedia

For a full list of strange things that have occurred in Rhode Island, click here!

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