Stuff You Should Know The Texas City Disaster of 1947
Mar 18, 2021
In 1947, a catastrophic explosion in Texas City led to the largest industrial disaster in U.S. history. The podcast dives into the tragic events, highlighting how hazardous materials like ammonium nitrate sparked a deadly chain reaction. Listeners learn about the town's resilience amidst unimaginable destruction and the arduous recovery efforts that followed. Personal accounts and safety lessons provide a somber yet insightful perspective on this historical tragedy.
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Texas City Disaster Scale
- The Texas City Disaster of 1947 remains the largest industrial disaster in US history.
- It involved explosions, a tidal wave, and widespread devastation in a major petrochemical port.
Contributing Factors
- Relaxed post-war oversight and limited understanding of chemical dangers contributed to the disaster.
- The lack of regulations and awareness created a dangerous environment in Texas City.
Ships Involved
- Three ships were docked at the port: the Grand Camp, the High Flyer, and the Wilson B. Keene.
- The Grand Camp and High Flyer both carried substantial amounts of ammonium nitrate.