Halifax Explosion
The Halifax explosion took place on December 6, 1917 when the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship loaded with explosives collided with the SS Imo, a Norwegian ship in the harbour in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 1,782 people were killed and over 9,000 people were injured.[1] This was the largest man-made explosion in history until July 1945 when the first atomic bomb blew up.[2] It is still the largest accidental explosion in history. People were said to hear it from over 100km away!
SS Imo
SS Mont Blanc
Sketch of munition loading of SS Mont Blanc
| Halifax Explosion | |
|---|---|
 The pyrocumulus cloud around 15-20 seconds after the explosion | |
| Location | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Date | December 6, 1917 9:04:35 (AST) |
| Deaths | 1,782 (known) |
| Injured | 9,000 (approximate) |
Halifax Explosion Media
Looking north from a grain elevator towards Acadia Sugar Refinery, circa 1900, showing the area later devastated by the 1917 explosion
The explosion devastated a large portion of Halifax (shown) and part of Dartmouth (off bottom of map).
View from the waterfront looking west from the ruins of the Sugar Refinery across the obliterated Richmond District several days after the explosion. The remains of Pier 6, site of the explosion, are on the extreme right.
Aftermath in Halifax, the start of rescue efforts
Workers clear debris from the North Street Station.
The Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower
Mont Blanc anchor site
2010 Boston Christmas tree
References
- ↑ "The Explosion". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2014-10-13.
- ↑ Time: Disasters that Shook the World. New York City: Time Home Entertainment. 2012. p. 56. ISBN 978-1-60320-247-3.
