Explosions in Texas City - SS Grand Camp Explosion

Background

Date of Incident: April 16, 1947
Location: Texas City, Texas
Involved Ship: SS Grand Camp
Cargo: Harmless items turned dangerous, e.g., balls of twine became projectiles.

The explosion tore SS Grand Camp apart, scattering red-hot steel pieces far and igniting nearby oil tanks and chemical plants.
Effect: Extensive fires across Texas City; a barge was thrown into a parking lot.
Impact on Firefighters: Most were killed, leaving the town defenseless against the fires.
Community Response: Veterans organized rescue efforts; newsreels and officials reported and sought aid.
Notable Individuals:
- Lucy Garcia faced chaos similar to war conditions.
- Joyce Couch was trapped but eventually rescued.

Makeshift aid stations were overwhelmed; help from neighboring towns arrived quickly.
Red Cross: Set up field stations within two hours.
Medical Supplies: Massive use of penicillin; blood banks and bandages were in critical demand.
Volunteer Efforts: Veterans and trained medics, like Roland Castanet, provided critical assistance.

Date: April 16, 1947, night
Ship: SS High Flyer, also carrying ammonium nitrate.
Events Leading Up: Tugs attempted to move the ship; dense smoke and heat hindered efforts.
Explosion: Occurred around 1 AM, after attempts to cut the anchor chain failed.
Impact: Added to devastation; fewer casualties due to partial evacuation.

More than 550 people killed; significant property damage.
Volunteer Firefighters: Came from as far as Houston to assist.
Morgue and Identification:
- Temporary morgue set up in an auto repair shop.
- Difficult identification due to condition of bodies; FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety involved.

Survivors, like William Lane, suffered psychological trauma.
Community Reactions: Efforts to stay positive amidst devastation; ongoing radio reports to maintain morale.
Rebuilding Efforts: Faced with extensive cleanup and reconstruction post-disaster.