11. The Oppau Explosion (1921)
On September 21, 1921, a catastrophic explosion occurred at the BASF chemical plant in Oppau, Germany, when approximately 4,500 tons of a mixture of ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate fertilizer stored in a tower silo detonated. The explosion resulted in the deaths of at least 560 people and injured about 2,000 others. The blast destroyed or damaged nearly all buildings in Oppau, highlighting the dangers associated with industrial chemicals. For more detailed information, refer to the Chemical & Engineering News article on the Oppau explosion. (cen.acs.org)
