In this article, we take a look at the 5 worst industrial disasters in the world. If you want to take a look at our detailed analysis of the subject, see 15 Worst Industrial Disasters in the World.
5. Soma Mine Explosion (2014)
Number of deaths: 301
The Eynez coal mine in Turkey caught on fire due to an explosion on 13 May 2014. This underground coal mine tragedy took place due to poor safety conditions. The fire was most likely caused by methane collection underground, which led to the explosion. Unfortunately, the explosion occurred around shift change time, leaving 787 workers trapped underground.
This raging fire burned on for two days, killing 301 people with carbon monoxide poisoning. The fire was caused by an underground explosion, which left 600 people trapped. It took four mine rescue teams to retrieve the workers from thick black smoke.
There were three days of mourning after this tragic industrial disaster. Compensation had to be given to the families of those who lost loved ones, and safety investments were made in the mining sector of Turkey. There was also a decline in coal production in the region after the disaster.
4. Rana Plaza Collapse (2013)
Number of deaths: 1,134
The Rana Plaza disaster was a structural collapse that caused 1,134 deaths and many injuries. Built on a filled-in pond with low-quality materials, this garment factory’s collapse was inevitable. This disaster took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh in the Savar Upazila district in 2013.
The building had extra floors, and many safety warnings were ignored. The building collapse was caused by many diesel generators vibrating the floor.
Case studies of the disaster show that workers complained about floor cracks but were still forced to come to work. The building’s owner, Sohel Rana, remains in police custody. Companies like Zara and Mango were sourcing their products from Rana Plaza then, and suffered as a consequence of this disaster.
3. Halifax Explosion (1917)
Number of deaths: 2000
When a French cargo ship filled with explosives collided with a Norwegian vessel, it caused a massive explosion in the region of Halifax in 1917. This explosion killed around 2000 civilians and also resulted in buildings collapsing. The explosion also caused a tsunami, affecting the Tufts Cove area. During the time, this was known as the largest man-made disaster until Hiroshima took place.
The Halifax Explosion caused significant economic loss and damage, totaling around $30 million. The explosion also destroyed the port of Halifax, a major source of income for Canada at the time. Many railways, schools, and businesses were also shut down due to the destruction after the incident.
2. Fukushima (2011)
Number of deaths: 2,200
The Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011 brought mass destruction along with it. The aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami caused the nuclear plant’s energy sources to fail. Over 164,000 people were displaced after this incident, and 2,200 died, with survivors facing terrible health-related issues. Not only were survivors unable to return to their previous lives, but many countries decided to shut down their nuclear power plants.
Since the Fukushima incident was the third event in a chain of disasters, Japan faced an economic loss of $360 billion. Thousands of buildings were destroyed, and industrial production slowed down. This incident also caused a significant drop in the amount of tourists visiting Japan, costing the tourism industry millions.
1. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
Number of deaths: 3,800
The Bhopal gas tragedy was a result of 45 tons of toxic gas that leaked from a pesticide plant (UCIL). It is said to be one of the worst industrial disasters, which killed thousands of people. Taking place on the night of 2-3 December 1984, this tragedy took place at the Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant. There were around 18,000 US gals of E610, E611, and E619 nestled underneath the facility. The disaster basically took place when several tanks containing 42 tons of MIC gas malfunctioned. Consequently, there was a leak in the E610 tank, causing tons of MIC to escape, wreaking havoc instantly.
To this day, toxic chemicals leak into the groundwater and soil around the vicinity. Many of the surviving victims were left with disorders like respiratory problems, cancer, and kidney disease.
This disaster led to many economic losses, including 650 people losing their jobs, and 75% of Bhopal people unable to work to this day due to health issues like chemical eye burns. Many local businesses and state offices closed, causing businesses to lose around $8-65 million. The UCIL plant itself, which was a $25 million investment, was shut down.
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