Halifax explosion was a catastrophe that took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Dec. 6, 1917. It occurred when the Mont Blanc, a French ship carrying explosive materials, collided with another ship in a narrow part of the city’s harbor, causing an explosion. The disaster killed more than 2,000 people, injured thousands, and wrecked much of the city. Every building in Halifax was damaged. The explosion is sometimes called the Halifax Harbour explosion or the Halifax disaster.
Both vessels involved in the explosion were carrying out wartime efforts for the Allies in World War I (1914-1918). The Mont Blanc was transporting high explosives (powerful explosives that are set off by pressure). The other ship, the Imo, was a Norwegian vessel on its way to collect food for starving Belgians. The collision resulted from miscommunication and navigational errors.
The accident caused a fire on the Mont Blanc, and the crew abandoned ship. The Mont Blanc drifted toward the Halifax waterfront and burned for about 20 minutes before it blew up in a nearly 3-kiloton explosion. One kiloton equals the energy released by 1,000 tons (907 metric tons) of TNT. Dangerous debris showered the city. The explosion caused a tsunami (series of powerful ocean waves) that washed over buildings and swept people and ships into the harbor. That night, a blizzard made rescue and relief efforts difficult.
