it was a "runaway reaction", not merely an "explosion.
Precisely what chemicals were in the system and what temperature was reached to cause the reaction to run away?
Bet me, this is far far worse than "benzene in the river".
What products did this plant produce?
was phenol also a constituent of this "benzene" reaction?
was chlorine also a constituent of this "benzene" reaction?
Thought I read it was making aniline. So, there could be a mix of aniline, nitrobenzene, benzene and other chemical dogs & cats.