Delft Explosion

The Delft Explosion occurred on October 12 1654 when a gunpowder store exploded destroying much of the city of Delft in the Netherlands. Over a hundred people were killed and thousands wounded.

Related Topics:
October 12 - 1654 - Gunpowder - Delft - Netherlands

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About 40 tonnes of gunpowder was stored in barrels in a magazine in a former Clarissen convent in the Doelenkwatier district. Cornelis Soetens, the keeper of the magazine, opened the store to check a sample of the powder and a huge explosion followed. Luckily, many citizens were away, visiting a market in Schiedam or a fair in the Hague.

Related Topics:
Tonnes - Barrels - Magazine - Clarissen - Convent - Market - Schiedam - Fair - The Hague

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Artist Carel Fabritius was wounded in the explosion and died of his injuries.

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Egbert van der Poel painted several pictures of Delft after the explosion showing the devastation.

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