The 1917 Halifax Harbour Explosion episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 9, 2026 · 38 MIN

The 1917 Halifax Harbour Explosion

from Unlocking the Unknown · host Atlas Gray

The catastrophic 1917 Halifax Harbour Explosion and its place within the broader history of massive non-nuclear detonations. The primary texts describe how the collision of the SS Mont-Blanc and the SS Imo triggered a three-kiloton blast that devastated the city, claiming over 1,700 lives and leaving thousands homeless. Accompanying accounts highlight the extraordinary relief efforts from nearby communities and the city of Boston, which established a lasting international bond through medical and financial aid. Additionally, the collection includes a comprehensive list of other historical explosions caused by gunpowder, chemical accidents, and wartime sabotage across the globe. Together, these records provide a detailed overview of the humanitarian response, the social impact on diverse local communities, and the technical magnitude of one of the world's largest man-made disasters.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 9, 2026

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The 1917 Halifax Harbour Explosion

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