A case study of multiple explosions of chemicals under fire conditions

Acasestudyofmultiplemassivedetonationsthatoccurredinachemicalwarehouseispresented.Theexplosionsoccurred after a fire had spread for about 20min in the warehouse. Two firefighters among all those havealready arrived suffered minor bursts. The detonations destroyed the warehouse and caused severe damages toneighboring buildings that were partly destroyed. Debris was launched at more than 250m distance. Threecraters were recognized on the concrete floor of the warehouse. A complete map of the debris launch wasobtainedusinggeo-referredimagesacquiredbydronetechnology.Residualchemicalanddebrisweresampledtorecognize the nature of the chemical present in the warehouse.The investigation revealed the presence of several tons of hydroxylamine sulphate, sodium and potassiumperchlorate, sodium nitrate, and other hazardous materials. The damage analysis was reproduced according toConWep®code for the cratering, the spalling, and the breaching of the reinforced, concrete structures of thewarehouse. The explosion and the chemical reactions under fire conditions were analysed by standard ther-mochemical procedures.The case study has evidenced the lack of reference normative and standards for hazardous materials underfire conditions