What happened at PEPCON?

What happened at PEPCON?

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 did the PEPCON explosion happen?

While many workers were leaving for lunch, sparks from a repair crew welding torch set ablaze fiberglass infrastructure. The flames, which grew out of control, soon engulfed PEPCON’s massive stock of oxidizer, creating the largest domestic, non-nuclear explosion in recorded history.

When was the PEPCON explosion in Las Vegas?

May 4, 1988
It was May 4, 1988. Explosions at the PEPCON plant violently rocked Henderson, and shock waves rolled across the valley. St. Rose Hospital was so close, the blast blew out the windows.

What year was the PEPCON explosion?

May 4, 1988PEPCON disaster / Start date

When was the pepcon explosion in Las Vegas?

Where was the pepcon plant located?

Henderson
PEPCON, which was located at what is now the junction of U.S. Highway 95 and the 215 Beltway in Henderson, was one of two major manufacturers of the oxidizer in the country at the time.

How are explosions caused?

What Causes Explosions? An explosion is a rapid expansion of gases. Many explosions occur when gases are exposed to a source of heat- such as fire, sparks, even static elec- tricity-or an increase in pressure. Explosions can also be caused by chemical reactions.

How can we prevent explosions?

prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere, including by ventilation. collect, contain and remove any releases to a safe place. avoid ignition sources. avoid adverse conditions (such as exceeding pressure/temperature limits) that could lead to danger.

What are the 5 requirements for an explosion?

The 5 Elements Of A Combustible Dust Explosion

  • Combustible Dust.
  • Distribution Of Dust Particles.
  • Confined Dust Cloud.
  • Oxygen.
  • Ignition Source.

What is the risk of explosion?

The effects of accidental fires or explosions can be devastating in terms of lives lost, injuries, damage to property and the environment, and to business continuity. Working with flammable liquids, dusts, gases and solids is hazardous because of the risk of fire and explosion.

What is the approximate location of the PEPCON disaster?

/  36.03528°N 115.03472°W  / 36.03528; -115.03472 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.

What happened at the PEPCON plant in 1988?

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.

Can I distribute the PEPCON incident?

Please do not distribute without written permission from Damn Interesting. Just before lunchtime on May 4th, 1988, at a facility near Henderson, Nevada, a panicked maintenance crew could be seen dashing away from the site of the Pacific Engineering Production Company, also known as PEPCON.

What is the approximate location of the PEPCON chemical plant?

/  36.03528°N 115.03472°W  / 36.03528; -115.03472 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.