"Nine drums filled with an explosive compound were punctured by a forklift early Tuesday as they were being unloaded at the state port in Morehead City, prompting officials to close the port (WRAL.com)" It was reported that the 50-kilogram drums contained pentaerythritol tetranitrate. The material, also known as PETN, is used in plastic explosives and as a drug to treat heart conditions. The New York Times (Dec. 27) states that "PETN is in the same chemical family as nitroglycerin and among the most powerful of explosives." PETN doesn't easily detonate, a shock wave from a blasting cap or an exploding wire detonator is usually needed to set off PETN (NYT).
WRAL News also states that "Colorless PETN crystals are used in detonating cords for industrial explosions, and the compound also was a component of the explosive that Richard Reid, the convicted "shoe bomber," used in 2001 to try to blow up an airliner. A Nigerian man charged with trying to blow up a Detroit-bound flight on Christmas told authorities he had PETN in his underwear."
Fortunately there wasn't an explosive; "it was fortunate that the PETN was in smaller drums and not one large container, which would have made an explosion more likely." Although no injuries were reported, the incident is being considered an industrial accident. Residents in the area within half a mile, were urged to leave the area. The port was expected to reopen this morning even though the cleanup wasn't completed- the spill was considered to be contained at the port.
To read the full article click here: http://bit.ly/8KedYT
Sources:
Chang, Kenneth. "Explosive on Flight 253 Is Among Most Powerful." The New York Times. 27 Dec. 2009. Web. 13 Jan. 2010.
Charbonneau, Mike, and Erin Hartness. "Crews work to clear explosives spill at Morehead City port." WRAL.com. 12 Jan. 2010. Web. 13 Jan. 2010.
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