What caused the PEPCON explosion?
PEPCON produced ammonium perchlorate, which is a chemical found in solid rocket fuel. 2. Because of the Challenger explosion in January 1986, there was a large amount of ammonium pechlorate at the plant at the time.
What year was the PEPCON explosion?
May 4, 1988PEPCON disaster / Start date
When did Vegas explode?
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The deadly Pepcon explosion shook the Las Vegas valley 32 years ago on May 4. Anyone who lived in the valley in 1988 felt it and remembers that frightening day.
How many people were killed from the pepcon explosion?
On May 4, 1988, a fire followed by several explosions occurred at the Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada (PEPCON) chemical plant in Henderson, Nevada. The disaster caused two fatalities, 372 injuries, and an estimated $100 million of damage.
Where was the pepcon plant located?
Twenty-eight years ago, the Las Vegas Valley experienced one of the largest explosions in history — PEPCON. Twenty-eight years ago, the Las Vegas Valley experienced one of the largest explosions in history — PEPCON. A fire started inside a building at Pacific Engineering and Production Corporation of Nevada’ ……
How many died in PEPCON explosion?
two fatalities
On May 4, 1988, a fire followed by several explosions occurred at the Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada (PEPCON) chemical plant in Henderson, Nevada. The disaster caused two fatalities, 372 injuries, and an estimated $100 million of damage.
How common are gas explosions?
Across the U.S. there are about 286 serious natural gas explosions per year—the type that cause over $50,000 worth of damage, severe injury, or loss of life. Between 1998 and 2017, 15 people per year on average died in incidents related to gas distribution in the U.S.
How can we prevent chemical plant explosions?
The most basic way to prevent disasters at chemical plants is with carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, proper ventilation, well-maintained safety valves, and other safety features.
How many chemical plant explosions have there been?
The accident record produced by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, 16 chemical plant safety accidents occurred between 1998 and 2021 with completed results and root causes. Over 524 people have been killed, 438 injured, and many more missing as a result of these continuous mishaps.
What is the most explosive gas?
Azidoazide azide is the most explosive chemical compound ever created. It is part of a class of chemicals known as high-nitrogen energetic materials, and it gets its “bang” from the 14 nitrogen atoms that compose it in a loosely bound state.