Was reminded of Texas City Disaster today in my usual e-mail. If you aren't familiar with it, just read on:
Hell of a thing, wasn't it?
PT
On April 16, 1947, one of the worst harbor disasters in the United States commenced when the French freighter GRANDCAMP, loaded with a cargo of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, caught fire and exploded. The next day, the nearby ship HIGH FLYER exploded. In the then small town of Texas City (pop. approx. 15,000) over 500 people died, about 200 were never located, and many became homeless due to the fires. Most members of the local volunteer fire department were killed while responding to the fires and explosions. The reports of the US Coast Guard Marine Board, the local chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the National Board of Fire Underwriters are linked.
Dennis L. Bryant
Holland & Knight LLP
Suite 100
2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006-6801
202 828 1865
dennis.bryant@hklaw.com
Hell of a thing, wasn't it?
PT
