CleverBomb
On Space Out
More than 100 injured, latest briefing indicates 5-15 acknowledged fatalities but that is quite likely to be on the low side.
L.A. Times article
I am appalled that the plant was that close to town. Ammonium nitrate (AN) in bulk should have been considered as high explosives and sited appropriately -- it shouldn't have been within a mile of inhabited buildings (and I'm probably underestimating this because of the quantity involved).
Technically speaking, plain AN will just burn if ignited. However, if it's actually burning, a kinetic shock can cause the fire to transition to high-order detonation throughout the entire mass. But even just turning a firehose on the fire would do it, because the water flashing to steam could create the shock. Or the shockwave from a rupturing high-pressure tank (such as the anhydrous ammonia also stored on site) might do it. In either case, the potential for the AN to go high-order should have been accounted for, rather than assumed away.
This is stunning negligence in siting and zoning.
There is no indication that this was anything but an industrial accident, though.
My heart goes out to those who have lost family and friends in this tragic accident, and to the wounded.
L.A. Times article
I am appalled that the plant was that close to town. Ammonium nitrate (AN) in bulk should have been considered as high explosives and sited appropriately -- it shouldn't have been within a mile of inhabited buildings (and I'm probably underestimating this because of the quantity involved).
Technically speaking, plain AN will just burn if ignited. However, if it's actually burning, a kinetic shock can cause the fire to transition to high-order detonation throughout the entire mass. But even just turning a firehose on the fire would do it, because the water flashing to steam could create the shock. Or the shockwave from a rupturing high-pressure tank (such as the anhydrous ammonia also stored on site) might do it. In either case, the potential for the AN to go high-order should have been accounted for, rather than assumed away.
This is stunning negligence in siting and zoning.
There is no indication that this was anything but an industrial accident, though.
My heart goes out to those who have lost family and friends in this tragic accident, and to the wounded.
