Never-before-seen footage of Chernobyl’s infamous “Elephant’s Foot” reveals one of the most dangerous remnants of the 1986 nuclear disaster. Buried beneath Reactor No. 4, this molten mass of nuclear fuel and reactor materials hardened into a twisted, lava-like formation so radioactive that early exposure meant near-instant death. Its cracked, wrinkled surface gave it its eerie nickname—and this rare glimpse offers a haunting look at the lasting scars of one of history’s worst nuclear accidents.

“You think the right question will get you the truth?” Episode 4 of #ChernobylHBO premieres tonight at 9pm. | HBO

“There was nothing sane about Chernobyl.” From Creator/Executive Producer Craig Mazin, #ChernobylHBO premieres May 6 on HBO. | HBO

Listen to how the shocking trial of #ChernobylHBO put even more lives in danger in the latest installment of The Chernobyl Podcast. Episodes 1- 5 are now available wherever you get your podcasts: http://po.st/ChernobylPodcast | HBO