8. Texas City Disaster (1947)
On April 16, 1947, a catastrophic explosion occurred in Texas City, Texas, when a fire aboard the French ship SS Grandcamp, carrying 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, led to a massive detonation. The blast resulted in over 500 fatalities, including 27 members of the Texas City Volunteer Fire Department, and left thousands injured. This incident remains the deadliest industrial accident in U.S. history. For more detailed information, refer to the Texas State Historical Association’s account of the disaster. (tshaonline.org)
