Oppau Explosion: 100 Years Since Industrial Disaster
Background
On September 21, 1921, the Oppau plant in Germany experienced a catastrophic explosion, resulting in widespread devastation and countless casualties.
Details of the Explosion
At 7:32 AM, two quick successions of explosions occurred, releasing an estimated 4500 metric tons of ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate. The second explosion was particularly devastating, causing significant damage to the plant and the surrounding communities.
Casualties and Impact
The Oppau explosion was one of the worst industrial disasters in modern history. It claimed the lives of over 500 people and injured thousands more. The explosion destroyed much of the plant and severely damaged nearby buildings and infrastructure, leaving the community devastated.
Causes and Investigations
The precise cause of the Oppau explosion remains uncertain. However, investigations have suggested that a combination of factors, including storage and handling errors, contributed to the disaster. The explosions sparked public outrage and led to increased scrutiny of industrial safety practices.
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