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Why was ammonium nitrate stored in Lebanon?
The chemical is widely used around the world, as a fertiliser or for explosives in mining. But there are strict regulations about where it can be kept and for how long. And its location is often kept secret because of its potential for making bombs.
How did the Beirut explosion involving ammonium nitrate happen?
A massive chemical detonation occurred on August 4, 2020 in the Port of Beirut, Lebanon. An uncontrolled fire in an adjacent warehouse ignited ~2,750 tons of Ammonium Nitrate (AN), producing one of the most devastating blasts in recent history.
What is the real cause of Beirut explosion?
The initial explosion, at about 18:07 local time (15:07 UTC), likely triggered by the stored fireworks, sent up a large cloud of smoke and a crackle of bright firework flashes, and heavily damaged the structure of Warehouse 12 itself with a force equivalent to around 1.5-2.5 tons of TNT.
What does ammonium nitrate do?
Used to make fertilizers and explosives, and as a nutrient in producing antibiotics and yeast. Ammonium nitrate is the ammonium salt of nitric acid. It has a role as a fertilizer, an explosive and an oxidising agent. It is an inorganic molecular entity, an ammonium salt and an inorganic nitrate salt.
What is the purpose of ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is used commonly in fertilizers; in pyrotechniques, herbicides, and insecticides; and in the manufacture of nitrous oxide. It is used as an absorbent for nitrogen oxides, an ingredient of freezing mixtures, an oxidizer in rocket propellants, and a nutrient for yeast and antibiotics.
What happened to Ammonium Nitrate Shipment in Beirut?
Maritime traffic services and documents obtained by CNN describe a shipment of 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate that was detained in Beirut in 2013. The Russian-owned ship, named the MV Rhosus, was destined for Mozambique but stopped in Beirut due to financial difficulties that also created unrest with the ship’s Russian and Ukrainian crew.
Why was Beirut declared a ‘disaster city’?
Beijing’s sweeping changes to social order are popular with some. Here’s why (CNN) Beirut was declared a “disaster city” by authorities on Wednesday, in the wake of a huge explosion in the port of the Lebanese capital that left at least 135 people dead and 5,000 injured.
What happened at the Beirut Port?
Beirut was declared a “disaster city” by authorities after the explosion. This aerial photo, taken on August 5, 2020, shows ruined structures at the port. A damaged hospital room is seen on August 5, 2020. This satellite image, obtained by CNN from Planet Labs Inc., shows a massive crater at the site of the explosion.
How many people died when ammonium nitrate exploded?
In 1947, at least 581 people were killed when more than 2,000 tons of the chemical exploded on a cargo ship that had docked at a port in Texas City, Texas. That same year, in Brest, France, a Norwegian ship that contained about 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded, causing 29 deaths.