O'Connor Plating Works disaster

On 20 February 1947, a large accidental explosion at the O'Connor Plating Works at 926 East Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles killed seventeen people and injured more than one hundred.[1][2] Eleven nearby buildings were damaged beyond repair. Press reports mentioned a 25-foot (7.6 m) crater.[3]

O'Connor Plating Works disaster
Front page image of the Los Angeles Daily News on February 20, 1947
Location926 E Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90021 United States
Coordinates34.03099°N 118.25030°W / 34.03099; -118.25030
Deaths17
Non-fatal injuries100+

The explosion was caused by the improper handling of perchloric acid, which the plant was using as an experimental method for polishing aluminum. On the day of the accident, the cooling unit required to store perchloric acid safely was not working. A vessel of 130 US gallons (490 L) of the chemical was boiling and may have ignited when a plastic rack was lowered into it.[4]

The event served as the main inspiration for "Nicholson Electroplating", a fictional case featured in the 2011 video game L.A. Noire as downloadable content.[5]

See also

References
  1. Hill, Gladwin (21 February 1947). "EXPLOSION KILLS 15 IN LOS ANGELES, INJURES OVER 100; Destroys Electroplating Plant and Smashes Near-by Area With Thunderous Violence". New York Times. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  2. "Explosion Spotlights Ghetto Housing". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  3. "Five Negroes Killed in City's Worst Blast". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  4. Rasmussen, Cecilia. "Deadly Blast a Proving Ground for Live TV". Los Angeles Fire Department. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  5. R* Q (14 June 2011). "The Real Crimes Behind L.A. Noire Cases: "The Nicholson Electroplating Disaster"". Rockstar Games. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
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