Any industrial compressed gas/liquid is a tricky thing and there are usually somewhat different equipment in place depending on what the chemical is. Anhydrous ammonia is quite volatile, but is easily stored/handled/transported etc. under pressure. DowninFlames is very likely correct at what caused the explosion, but the question remains how did that fire start?
The previous documentation they've released implies that they never anticipated any sort of fire event like this. There were obviously various pressure safety checks in the facility (explaining why they figured the worst thing that would happen would be a release of ammonia), but I wonder what external safety protocols were in place?
Anyway, horrible tragedy. Goes to show that chemical plants are no laughing matter. This always became a joke but it's very true - Safety: First, last and always.
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