A nuclear accident refers to an unexpected event that results in the release of radioactive materials from a nuclear facility. These incidents can occur due to equipment failure, human error, or natural disasters. The consequences can include contamination of the environment and potential health risks to nearby populations. Notable examples of nuclear accidents include the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011. Both events led to significant changes in nuclear safety regulations and increased public awareness about the risks associated with nuclear energy.