Recreates the events that led to the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island, investigating the way in which the catastrophe was handled and the experiences of technicians, politicians, reporters, and the vulnerable people living nearby

Includes index.

A blast of steam --One chance in a million -- The world finds out -- Captain Dave -- A general emergency -- The NRC arrives -- Young Bill Scranton -- A train-ride in the country -- Harrisburg -- The media -- Wednesday night -- A cloud of radiation -- Thursday -- The dumping -- A problem of information -- Black Friday -- Possibility of a meltdown -- Potassium iodide and submarine sandwiches -- More information problems -- Sunday morning -- Aftermath.