What caused the explosion in Texas?
On April 17, 2013, an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas killed 15 people, injured at least 200 more and damaged 350 homes. Investigators from the Texas Department of Insurance and State Fire Marshall’s Office concluded ammonium nitrate was the cause of the explosion.
How many tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in Texas?
2,300 tons
It was the deadliest industrial accident in United States history and one of history’s largest non-nuclear explosions. A mid-morning fire started on board the French-registered vessel SS Grandcamp (docked in the port) and detonated her cargo of about 2,300 tons (about 2,100 metric tons) of ammonium nitrate.
Was there a chemical explosion in Texas?
Chemical safety regulations were put in place after an explosion in the city of West, Texas, involving more than 80,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate. But those regulations were rolled back by the EPA in November.
Where is the house that blew up in Plano?
4400 block of Cleveland Drive
The single-story home in the 4400 block of Cleveland Drive exploded the afternoon of July 19, reducing it to a pile of rubble, damaging the houses on either side and scattering debris across the neighborhood.
What plant blew up in Texas?
West Fertilizer Company plant
The massive explosion and fire that broke out at the West Fertilizer Company plant left roughly 35 people dead, including 10 emergency responders who first arrived at the scene. 160 other individuals were critically injured in the explosion that was ruled one of the worst disasters in Texas history.
How many were killed in the Texas City explosion?
600 people
Texas City explosion of 1947, industrial disaster sparked by the fire and explosion of the SS Grandcamp on April 16–17, 1947, in Texas City, Texas. The blast set off a chain of fires as well as a 15-foot (4.5-metre) tidal wave. Between 400 and 600 people were killed, with as many as 4,000 injured.
Will ammonium nitrate explode on its own?
Ammonium nitrate would only explode on its own if its temperature was rapidly raised to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to most combustible materials, ammonium nitrate itself is not exceptionally explosive. But the compound can contribute to explosions because it belongs to a chemical class known as oxidizers.
What happens if a chemical plant blows up?
By the creation of gases, the build-up of heat, and the reaction, a chemical plant can become the source of serious and debilitating explosions. These can result in serious plant explosion injuries, such as third-degree burns, and even severe property damage that can affect the local community for years to come.
What happened to the house in Plano?
Officials on Tuesday said an isolated natural gas leak was the probable cause of the explosion, which leveled a home and rocked the neighborhood in the 4400 block of Cleveland Drive in west Plano. The house was left in pieces and the explosion damaged several nearby homes.
What was the result of the Texas City explosion?
The Grandcamp explosion destroyed the Monsanto Chemical Company plant and resulted in ignition of refineries and chemical tanks on the waterfront. Falling bales of burning twine from the ship’s cargo added to the damage, and the Grandcamp’ s anchor was hurled across the city.
What was the name of the ship that exploded in Texas City?
The first explosion ignited ammonium nitrate in the nearby cargo ship High Flyer. The crews spent hours attempting to cut the High Flyer free from her anchor and other obstacles, in order to move her, without success.
How big was the explosion at the port of Galveston?
The vessel detonated, causing great destruction and damage throughout the port. The tremendous blast produced a 15-foot (4.5 m) wave that was detectable nearly 100 miles (160 km) from the Texas shoreline. The blast leveled nearly 1,000 buildings on land.
How many people were injured in the Texas City disaster?
Several bodies were laid out in the local high school’s gymnasium for identification by family or friends. More than 5,000 people were injured, with 1,784 admitted to 21 area hospitals. More than 500 homes were destroyed and hundreds damaged, leaving 2,000 homeless. The seaport was destroyed, and many businesses were flattened or burned.
