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The Halifax Explosion: 6 December 1917

The Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower at Fort Needham, photographed in 2008.
The Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower at Fort Needham, photographed in 2008. Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower (2285188993) · Dennis G. Jarvis · Photo source · Photo licence: CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.
Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

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On 6 December 1917, SS Mont-Blanc, which was carrying explosives, collided with SS Imo in Halifax Harbour. The resulting explosion, tidal wave and fires killed some 2,000 people. Parks Canada describes it as the largest human-made explosion before the atomic bomb.

Scope & context

The disaster and its scale, not the relief effort, rebuilding or later commemorations.

Sources behind this record

1
Halifax Explosion National Historic Event ↗

Parks Canada

Historical importance; description