Overturned barge; explosion possible?

[GalvestonDuck]

This isn't good. Anyone in the Hou/Galv area know the story of the TX City disaster? http://www.utexas.edu/utpress/books/stetex.html

I know ammonium nitrate can be explosive...pretty common knowledge. But how bad could sulfuric acid in an overheated barge be? I'm asking, not questioning. Thanks!

Situation worsens surrounding capsized barge in TX City harbor

The US Coast Guard is involved in the cleanup of a barge that has capsized in the Texas City harbor.
ABC13 Eyewitness News
(11/06/03 - TEXAS CITY, TX) — The situation surrounding a capsized barge is deteriorating.

50 most recent local headlines

A barge transporting 235,000 gallons of sulfuric acid in the Texas City harbor capsized Monday, and early Wednesday morning it flipped on its side.

That barge has now become "unstable" and "unsafe" according to the US Coast Guard. A chemical reaction has been occurring since the barge turned over, that chemical reaction has been heating the barge and that is what is concerning the Coast Guard.

"The sulphuric acid in the barge reacts and becomes diluted with the metal in the barge itself," said Commander Paul Thompson with the US Coast Guard. "That reaction progressed to a point where I'm now concerned that pressure built up in the barge could cause an explosion."

A safety zone has been established around the barge. Emergency crews are being kept back about a half mile. Water is being sprayed on the barge to disperse any possible chemical vapor release.

No homes are impacted by the safety zone, but workers from some nearby plants are being evacuated. Schools in Texas City were put on a level 2 alert, which means that they're keeping the kids inside. Students will be dismissed at their normal time.

The barge is operated by Martin Product Sales based out of Kilgore, Texas.

Stay with ABC13 Eyewitness News for the latest on this developing situation.

[TexasStooge]

That can't be good!

Keep us posted.

[opera ghost]

I heard on NPR that it shouldn't be a problem because sulfuric acid dissapates in water with no ill effects. I'm not up on my chemistry to be honest- but it looks good that they're taking it seriously.

[blizzard]

IF they could just release the buitl up pressure somehow. I don't think that a fire-explosion is the concern. It is a pressure build up from the chemical reaction. THey are correct, sulphuric acid produces mega amounts of gasses when it comes in contact with certain metals.

Sulphuric acid and lead = electrical current in batteries.

[OtherHD]

This isn't good. Anyone in the Hou/Galv area know the story of the TX City disaster? http://www.utexas.edu/utpress/books/stetex.html

I did a report on the Texas City disaster back in 8th grade. It's an event that, sadly, is overlooked by the locals.

[GalvestonDuck]

I want to go see the memorial sometime. I saw the exhibit here in Galveston at the Galveston Museum. But I've never been up there to see the site. I think I'll take a break while I'm up there Christmas shopping and visit.

It's not like TX City is that far away...it's just that I haven't had a chance to go farther than the mall off I-45.

[OtherHD]

I'm willing to bet that what you saw at the Galveston exhibit is the same as what you'll see at the memorial. The memorial park is really half dedicated to the victims of the explosions, and half dedicated to locals that died while fighting in war. Still, I would recommend going to see it. After the first visit though, it's just...meh. I'd much rather read about it in books.

[GalvestonDuck]

Sounds like it's probably like the 1900 Storm memorial here on the Seawall. It gives you a bit of info, but it's better to read the book.