The New London, Texas school explosion of 1937: History and legacy

Authors: Terrell, Evan; REINKE, GRACE - University Of New Orleans

Submitted to: American Chemical Society National Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/13/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In 1937 in the city of New London, TX, a natural gas leak caused an explosion underneath the city’s junior/senior high school. This disaster resulted in the deaths of approximately 300 people, the great majority of whom were between the ages of 10 and 17. Natural gas (at the time odorless) from local oil production was used for utilities in the community and the school. The explosion was determined to likely have been caused by a spark from machine shop equipment located in the crawl space beneath the school. In response to the disaster, the Texas legislature quickly passed a law requiring odorization of natural gas to make it more readily detectable. This law formed the basis for the widespread practice of adding malodor compounds (typically mercaptans) to natural gases for public use, as a safety measure. The state of Texas also passed a law codifying the registration/professional certification for engineering in the state, formally restricting the title of “engineer” in professional practice. In this presentation, we will highlight the history of the New London School explosion and its legacy. Because the explosion occurred nearly 90 years ago, there are very few remaining community members from that time with living memory of the event. The lasting impact of the disaster will be discussed and photographs of important artifacts from the London Museum commemorating the event will be presented.