How many people died directly from the chernobyl accident?

The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in April 1986, resulted in the immediate deaths of two plant workers on the night of the explosion. In the following months, 28 emergency responders and plant staff died from acute radiation sickness. While estimates of long-term deaths due to radiation exposure vary widely, the United Nations' Chernobyl Forum has suggested that up to 4,000 people could eventually die from radiation-related illnesses among the higher-exposed groups.