A case study of multiple explosions of chemicals under fire conditions

A case study of multiple massive detonations that occurred in a chemical warehouse is presented. The explosions occurred after a fire had spread for about 20 min in the warehouse. Two firefighters among all those have already arrived suffered minor bursts. The detonations destroyed the warehouse and caused severe damages to neighboring buildings that were partly destroyed. Debris was launched at more than 250 m distance. Three craters were recognized on the concrete floor of the warehouse. A complete map of the debris launch was obtained using geo-referred images acquired by drone technology. Residual chemical and debris were sampled to recognize the nature of the chemical present in the warehouse. The investigation revealed the presence of several tons of hydroxylamine sulphate, sodium and potassium perchlorate, sodium nitrate, and other hazardous materials. The damage analysis was reproduced according to ConWep® code for the cratering, the spalling, and the breaching of the reinforced, concrete structures of the warehouse. The explosion and the chemical reactions under fire conditions were analysed by standard thermochemical procedures. The case study has evidenced the lack of reference normative and standards for hazardous materials under fire conditions. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd