According to the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an explosion occurs when there’s an unexpected conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy. In the past, we’ve heard of several extremely large explosions both intentional and accidental, that caused great havoc in the world. According to the latest explosion, which happened on Tuesday in Beirut, Lebanon, at least 100 people were recorded dead, and hundreds injured after the incident. Let’s face it, when it comes to the biggest explosions in the world, it can be very difficult to make an accurate ranking. However, based on the loss of life, property destruction, and the effect of power, one should be able to make a list. That said, here’s our list of the top 10 biggest explosions in the world.
List Of Top 10 Biggest Explosions In The World
1- Texas City Disaster
Texas City disaster is one of the top 10 biggest explosions in the world. The explosion, which happened on April 16, 1947, was the deadliest industrial accident to have occurred in the United States.
The incident occurred, when an SS Grandcamp, docked in the port of Texas City and loaded with 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate, exploded. The incident brought about a chain reaction of explosions, with nearby refineries and a cargo ship also exploding. Apart from that, the power of the explosion also affected two planes in the sky, causing them to crash. After the Texas City disaster, about 600 people died and more than 5,000 people were injured.
2- Cali Explosion, Colombia
Cali explosion occurred in Colombia, on 7 August 1956. The incident occurred when seven Colombian army trucks, carrying over 40 tons of dynamite, exploded. Cali explosion is one of the top 10 biggest explosions in the world because of its destructive effect on lives and properties. During the incident, over 1,000 people died, with many injured. Apart from that, the explosion created a crater with a diameter of 200ft and a depth of 52 ft.
3- 2015 Tianjin Explosions
2015 Tianjin explosions are two deadly explosions that occurred at a warehouse operated by Ruihai Logistics, in the Chinese port Tianjin. Of the two explosions, the destructive power of the bigger one was estimated to be equivalent to that of 336 tons of TNT. 2015 Tianjin explosions are on our list of the top 10 biggest explosions in the world because of its destructive impact, which led to the death of 173 people.
4- 2020 Beirut Explosion
The Beirut explosion, which happened on 4 August 2020, is the most recent explosion on our list of the top 10 biggest explosions in the world. The incident occurred when a warehouse, allegedly containing 3,031 US tons of ammonium nitrate and located at the Port of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon exploded. With a high shock-wave equivalence, the effect of the explosion was felt over 150 miles away from the scene. The 2020 Beirut explosion is one of the biggest explosions as a result of its destructive impact, resulting in the death of over 100 people, with over 4000 injured.
5- AZF Chemical Factory
The AZF chemical factory is one of the deadliest explosions in France. It happened on 21 September 2001, at a fertilizer factory in Toulouse. It’s on this list because it caused the death of 31 people, with more than 10,000 injured, including minor and serious ones.
6- 2005 Hertfordshire Oil Storage Terminal fire
The 2005 Hertfordshire Oil Storage Terminal fire explosions, which happened on 11 December 2005, caused 2 serious injuries, and over 40 minor injuries. Although there were no fatalities during the incidents, it’s one of the biggest explosions on this list. The effect of the explosions traveled as far as over 100 miles.
7- Mount Tambora
Mount Tambora explosion, which happened in 1815, is the largest volcanic eruption in world history. It occurred with a force of about 1,000 megatons of TNT. It’s the biggest explosion on this list because of its effect, which resulted in the death of about 71,000 people. Apart from that, the ash from the incident caused great damage to the climate.
8- Futamata Tunnel Explosion
The Futamata Tunnel explosion occurred on 12 November 1945 in a tunnel in Soeda, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu Island. The incident was as a result of the explosion of over 530 tons of ammunition. It’s one of the biggest explosions in the world because it caused over 147 fatalities, with 149 people injured.
9- Ocean Liberty in Brest, France
The incident occurred in July 1947, after a Norwegian cargo ship, called Ocean Liberty exploded in the port of Brest. According to reports, the cargo loaded paraffin, petrol, and about 3,300 tonnes of ammonium nitrate. During the explosion, about 22 people died, with over 4,000 damaged buildings.
10- Cádiz Explosion
Cádiz Explosion, which happened on 18 August 1947, killed over 150 people. The incident occurred as a result of the explosion of a naval ammunition warehouse, which contained mines and torpedoes. It’s on our list of the top 10 biggest explosions in the world because of its destructive effect on the city of Cádiz, in Spain.
