[BBell]

8,485 victims, at least 581 people. RIP.

[Jimmy Valentine]

I think the explosion of the Alum Chine in Baltimore was worse. She was carrying a cargo of dynamite.

[Snickering Hound]

8,485 victims, at least 581 people. RIP.

Lots of whom were spectators that were drawn to watch the efforts to control the overheating ammonium nitrate before it blew.

[Teacher317]

one of the largest non-nuclear explosions to have ever occurred

Tunguska, Vesuvius, Mt St Helens, MOABs, many volcanoes from millions of years ago put all of those to shame, etc etc etc...

[john316]

The prop from another ship was blown about a mile away.

[chuckles]

I think one thing left out here is there was more than a ship that blew up. When the Grand Camp blew, Monsanto was set off. The plant and the ship is what made it so bad. There were multiple explosions due to pipes and vessels fracturing nearby.

I grew up in Texas City in the 50's and 60's and it was fairly common to have to leave town after explosions in the plants. We had gas leaks and explosions also at places like BP. Carbide had a fairly substantial explosion also.

It went with the territory. Most people there graduated from school and went to the plants to have a decent life not found elsewhere. I left in order to live. Hurricanes were also a problem there.

[Figment]

Worst industrial accident in USA to this date