TEHRAN- “Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917” by American writer Sally M. Walker has been published in Persian.

Cheshmeh is the publisher of the book translated by Mehrnaz Moradi.

"Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917" narrates the catastrophic events that unfolded on December 6, 1917, in Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia, where a tragic maritime collision led to one of the most devastating explosions in history. The incident involved the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc, which was laden with high explosives and other munitions, and the Norwegian vessel SS Imo, which was carrying relief supplies intended for war-torn Europe.

On that fateful morning, at approximately 8:45 AM, the SS Mont-Blanc collided with the SS Imo at a low speed of around one knot (1.2 mph). This seemingly minor impact had catastrophic consequences. The collision ruptured barrels of benzol stored on the Mont-Blanc’s deck, causing vapors to ignite due to sparks generated during the crash. Within twenty minutes, Mont-Blanc detonated with a force equivalent to roughly 2.9 kilotons of TNT, resulting in an explosion that obliterated the Richmond district of Halifax and caused widespread devastation in nearby Dartmouth.

The explosion killed nearly 1,782 individuals and injured approximately 9,000 others, making it the largest human-made explosion at the time. The blast created a pressure wave that snapped trees, bent iron rails, and demolished buildings within an 800-meter radius. A tsunami generated by the explosion washed ashore, further compounding the destruction and tragically wiping out a community of Mi'kmaq people who had lived in the Tufts Cove area for generations.

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, relief efforts commenced rapidly. Hospitals became overwhelmed with casualties as rescue trains from across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick rushed to the scene. However, blizzard conditions struck the region the following day, dumping over a foot of snow and severely hampering relief operations. The combination of the explosion and subsequent blizzard created a dire situation for survivors who were left homeless and in desperate need of assistance.

The initial judicial inquiry into the disaster placed full responsibility on the SS Mont-Blanc; however, a later appeal found both vessels culpable. The North End of Halifax now features several memorials dedicated to the victims of this tragic event, serving as a reminder of the loss endured by the community.

"Blizzard of Glass" is a researched account that draws from original source material to convey the harrowing story of tragedy and recovery. The book's compelling narrative not only recounts the events surrounding the explosion but also delves into the broader implications of such a disaster on the affected communities and their resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. The story can provide valuable lessons about history, human impact, and recovery in times of crisis.

SAB/