On the morning of December 6th, 1917, the SS Mont-Blanc, loaded with nearly 3000 metric tons of explosives destined for France, collided with the SS Imo in the Halifax Harbor narrows, resulting in one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. This catastrophic event claimed nearly 2000 lives, injured 9000 others, and decimated a large section of Halifax. This episode of 'History's a Disaster,' hosted by Andrew, delves into the circumstances leading up to the explosion, the immediate chaotic aftermath, the city's reconstruction, and the unwavering support that poured in from surrounding areas and countries, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy within the context of World War I.
00:00 Introduction to the Great Halifax Explosion
01:03 World War I Context and Halifax's Strategic Importance
03:43 Harbor Safety and Regulatory Lapses
06:39 The Captains and Their Ships
11:02 The Collision and Immediate Aftermath
22:16 The Catastrophic Explosion
26:33 The Aftermath and Rescue Efforts
31:30 International Aid and Rebuilding Halifax
36:53 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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