Morbid Fact Du Jour For March 15, 2010

I’m back from a short trip back home to Catatonia, and on the plane home I began reading a fascinating book called “Curse Of The Narrows” which is about the horrifying munitions ship blast that devastated Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1917. I thought I’d share some excerpts as I go

Today’s Explosive Yet Truly Morbid Fact!

On December 6, 1917 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a munitions ship (the Mont Blanc) collided with a vessel in the Narrows of the harbor, triggering a catastrophic fire and explosion that destroyed much of the city and killed over 1,600 people. Altogether 2,925 tons or 5.85 million pounds of powder exploded, giving off over 9,000 degrees (F) of heat. All 6,880,627 pounds of the Mont Blanc‘s iron hull shot up over a thousand feet, roiling within the initial flame ball until much of it vaporized. The air blast blew through the narrow streets, toppling buildings and crashing through windows, doors, walls, and chimneys until it slowed to 756 miles an hour. The blast crushed internal organs, exploding lungs and eardrums of those standing closest to the ship, most of whom died instantly. It picked up others, only to thrash them against trees, walls, and lampposts with enough force to kill them. Roofs and ceilings collapsed on top of their owners. Floors dropped into the basement and trapped families under timber, beams, and furniture. This was particularly dangerous for those close to the harbor because a fireball, which was invisible in the daylight, shot out over a 1/2 to 3/4 mile area surrounding the Mont Blanc. Richmond houses caught fire like so much kindling. In houses able to withstand the blast, windows stretched inward until the glass shattered around its weakest point, sending out a shower of arrow-shaped slivers that cut their way through curtains, wallpaper, and walls. The glass spared no one. Some people were beheaded where they stood; others were saved by a falling bed or bookshelf. It pierced the faces and upper chests of anyone unlucky enough to be standing in front of a window. Many people reported passing out. Many others who had watched the fire seconds before awoke to find themselves unable to see.

Culled from: Culled from: Curse of the Narrows