Small mistake caused major nuclear accident
In January 1968, a strange incident occurred during a U.S. military flight over Greenland, where a fire broke out inside a B-52 bomber carrying four hydrogen bombs. The fire was caused by placing a pillow over an air vent, which trapped heat and ignited. This led to the plane crashing and widespread contamination with radioactive materials following the bombs' separation, although there was no nuclear explosion. As a result, a massive cleanup operation was launched that lasted nine months. Diplomatic tensions escalated when Denmark claimed that no nuclear weapons were present in Greenland, despite evidence that the bombers frequently flew over the area. This controversy became known as the "Thule Gate," and its repercussions are still felt to this day.
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