The Enschede Fireworks Disaster

Overview
The Enschede fireworks disaster was a
large scale explosion that occurred at the
SE Fireworks Depot in the Dutch city of
Enschede on May 13
th
, 2000.
Repercussions
The disaster took the lives of 23 people,
injuring 947 additional people. The
destruction was extensive, obliterating 15
streets and demolishing 400 homes
completely. Around 1500 more houses were
seriously damaged. The accident caused
450 million in damages overall.
Prior to the Explosions
The SE Fireworks depot was audited and
met all safety regulations just a week before
the incident. However, nearby residents
argue that government disinterest was at
fault and that the disaster was an accident
waiting to happen.
Cause
The cause of the accident was never
officially confirmed, but there were many
theories including arson, faulty wiring and
worker negligence. There were two arrests
made concerning the illegal storage and
sale of fireworks outside of the warehouse
which contributed to the size of the second
explosion.
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks5X0N8
M_o8
Legal Outcome
Initially, in May 2002, Andr de Vries was
found guilty of arson and sentenced to 15
years in prison, however a year later the
charge was overruled due to a lack of
evidence he was acquitted of all charges.
Legal Outcome
In April of 2002, Rudi Bakker and Willie
Pater, the two managers of the depot were
sentenced to fifteen months in jail for
violation of environmental and safety
regulation and sales of illegal fireworks.
They were also found guilty of criminal
negligence resulting in a deadly explosion.
Rudi Bakker
Worker Compensation
In total, 8.5 million Euros were awarded to
victims of the Enschede Fireworks Disaster:
300 people cash for incurring extra costs
136 people for wage losses and
1,477 people compensation for health
problems.