On April 16th, 1947, the SS Grandcamp, loaded with 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate, caught fire and exploded in Texas City, causing the deadliest industrial accident in US history and one of the largest non-nuclear explosions ever. The explosion, fueled by ammonium nitrate and subsequent fires, destroyed much of Texas City's port, killing over 500 people and injuring thousands. The disaster led to significant changes in safety regulations for handling and transporting hazardous chemicals. This episode of "History's a Disaster" explores the events leading up to the explosion, the immediate devastation, and its long-term impacts on industry and disaster management.
00:00 The Deadliest Industrial Accident in US History
00:56 Texas City: A Petrochemical Hub
01:59 The SS Grand Camp: A Ticking Time Bomb
02:51 The Fire Begins
06:56 The Explosion and Immediate Aftermath
15:00 The High Flyer Disaster
17:13 The Aftermath and Relief Efforts
22:10 Legal Battles and Safety Reforms
23:29 Conclusion and Reflections
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email: historysadisaster@gmail.com
Special thank you to Lunarfall Audio for producing and doing all the heavy lifting on audio editing since April 13, 2025, the Murder of Christopher Meyer episode https://lunarfallaudio.com/
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