On April 17, 2013, an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas killed 15 people, injured at least 200 more and damaged 350 homes. Investigators from the Texas Department of Insurance and State Fire Marshall’s Office concluded ammonium nitrate was the cause of the explosion.
How many tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in Texas?
It was the deadliest industrial accident in United States history and one of history’s largest non-nuclear explosions. A mid-morning fire started on board the French-registered vessel SS Grandcamp (docked in the port) and detonated her cargo of about 2,300 tons (about 2,100 metric tons) of ammonium nitrate.
What caused the pepcon explosion?
A windstorm had damaged a fiberglass structure and employees were using a welding torch to repair the steel frame. The USFA report stated that this activity caused a fire that spread rapidly in the fiberglass material, accelerated by nearby ammonium perchlorate residue.
Is there a chemical leak in La Porte Texas?
LA PORTE, Texas — Plant officials said approximately 100,000 pounds of acetic acid was released in a chemical leak at a La Porte facility near Houston Tuesday night that left two people dead. The two people killed in the leak were contractors for the plant, according to LyondellBasell.
What caused the fertilizer explosion?
Lebanese authorities say that the explosion, which killed at least 220 people, injured more than 5,000 and left an estimated 300,000 people homeless, was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound commonly used as an agricultural fertilizer, which had been stored for 6 years at a port warehouse.
How long did the West Texas fertilizer explosion last?
Fifteen people were killed, more than 160 were injured, and more than 150 buildings were damaged or destroyed….West Fertilizer Company explosion.
| Explosion site several days after the event | |
|---|---|
| Date | April 17, 2013 |
| Non-fatal injuries | Approximately 160–200 |
What was the worst industrial accident in America?
April 16, 1947: Texas City disaster, Texas. At 9:15 am an explosion occurred aboard a docked ship named the Grandcamp. The explosion, and subsequent fires and explosions, is referred to as the worst industrial disaster in America.
Where did the factory explode?
The factory was located on the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors of the Asch Building, at 23–29 Washington Place, near Washington Square Park….Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
| Date | March 25, 1911 |
|---|---|
| Time | 4:40 p.m. (Eastern Time) |
| Location | Asch Building, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. |
Who owned PEPCON?
The Cedar City plant, owned by American Pacific Corp. in Las Vegas — the same company that owned PEPCON, employs about 150 people. Neilsen, who saw the damage near Henderson, said, “This is nothing compared to that.
What is PEPCON called now?
Western Electrochemical Company
Although PEPCON never reopened at the site of its original plant, the company did start over again — with a new name and in a new state. The company moved its operation to Cedar City, Utah, and changed its name to Western Electrochemical Company.
Is La Porte Texas Safe?
La Porte, TX crime analytics The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in La Porte is 1 in 58. Based on FBI crime data, La Porte is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, La Porte has a crime rate that is higher than 62% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes.
What happened at LyondellBasell La Porte?
“They have severe trauma.” Plant officials said approximately 100,000 pounds of acetic acid was released in a chemical leak at the La Porte facility Tuesday night that left two people dead. The two people killed in the leak were contractors for the plant, according to LyondellBasell.
