The HBO show literally talks about an explosion 'equivalent' to a MT bomb. There has been ongoing misinformation about Chernobyl and a potential nuclear explosion had the melted core reached the flooded basement, e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKV1piLjoa0

I remember thinking this before I saw the thunderf00t video on this. Misinformation like this sticks.

The article is less clear (though they specifically say 'bomb' further perpetuating the myth), but it opens by referring to the HBO special as if it were fact. I think you're probably right (and the author is probably just equally confused as I was previously) but their intent doesn't change the fact that misinformation is being perpetuated.

I get frustrated that artistic license is taken with stuff like this and end up perpetuating harmful misunderstanding. HBO made a great entertaining show but they probably should have been more careful on this side of things.