Seest fireworks disaster

Seest fireworks disaster in Kolding.
The fireworks-accident in Seest happened on 3 November 2004, when N. P. Johnsens Fyrværkerifabrik (Fireworks factory) exploded in Seest, a suburb of Kolding, Denmark. One firefighter died, and seven from the rescue team as well as 17 locals were injured. In addition 34 rescuers, 8 police officers and 27 from the Danish Emergency Management Agency were treated for smoke inhalation. The evacuation of 2,000 people from the immediate surrounding area saved many lives. Eight fire and rescue vehicles were also destroyed.

The surrounding area was badly hit by the explosion with 355 houses reported damaged, and 176 of them rendered uninhabitable. In total 2,107 buildings were damaged by the explosion, with the cost of the damage estimated at € 100 million.

N. P. Johnsens fyrværkerifabrik was the main importer of fireworks in Denmark at the time, accounting for 25% of the total trade. At the time of the accident the company was storing 300 tons of fireworks in its warehouse, the maximum it was allowed to store.