Date 30 May 1626 | Location Beijing, China | |
The Wanggongchang Explosion occurred on 30 May 1626 in Beijing, China, killing around 20,000 people.
Contents
The explosion
The explosion took place on the morning of 30 May 1626, near the Wanggongchang Gunpowder Factory. Contemporary accounts speak of a loud rumble heard from as far as 150 kilometers away. Debris was reported to have been blown away as far as 30 kilometers. Victims were reported to have been stripped of their clothing by the force of the explosion, and that there was a notable lack of fire damage.
Cause
The cause of the explosion has not been conclusively determined. Various theories have been put forth, including gunpowder explosion, meteoroid crash and natural gas explosion.
Impact
The ruling emperor at the time, the Tianqi Emperor, was put under pressure by the people's belief that the explosion had been a punishment from heaven. Crown Prince Xianchong, aged 1, died in the explosion.