April 16, 1947 started out like most other spring days in southeast Texas, cool and clear...beautiful.

What started out as a routine loading of ammonium nitrate fertilizer onto the S.S. Grandcampe early on that morning ended up on record as the largest industrial accident in our nation. 

The first signs of smoke were noticed coming from the hold on the Grandcampe at approximately 8:00 am.  During the next hour, firefighters would respond to battle the blaze and onlookers would gather on the dock to watch the unusual colored smoke.  Then it happened.  At 9:12 am, the Grandcampe exploded, raining tons of molten steel and burning cargo over Texas City, knocking people to the ground in the City of Galveston some 10 miles away, and producing a 15 foot wall of water that washed over the port.  The emergency rescue and recovery began in earnest, but the tragedy wasn't over yet.  Late that same evening, flames were seen coming from the hold of the High Flyer, a ship which had been heavily damaged in the Grandcampe explosion.  At 1:00 am, the High Flyer herself exploded, destroying another ship, the Wilson B. Keene, and again raining burning debris over the residences and industrial sites in Texas City.  The resulting fires from the explosions burned for several days.

When it was all over, more than 570 people were dead, more than 2,000 injured.  Of the dead, 63 could not be identified and more than 100 were presumed dead, as they were never found.

The industrial city was determined this would not be the final days.  Soon after, many of the industrial plants in the area made a commitment to rebuild in Texas City, providing a foundation for the residents to remain as well.  Largely as a result of this disaster, Texas City is better prepared for an emergency with improved warning systems and a cooperative working relationship among industries.  The success of the rebuilding effort proves once again that the citizens of Galveston County and its city jurisdictions within will overcome obstacles, hardships and disasters with determination and hope.

If you would like to read more about the Texas City Disaster, please visit www.local1259iaff.org/disaster.html, www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/txcity or www.texascity-library.org/HistoryTCDisaster.pdf.