However, its storage and handling have often resulted in catastrophic accidents.
One of the most devastating gunpowder related accidents occurred in Beijing in the early 17th century.
The explosion that resulted has been ranked as one of the biggest in history.
The incident occurred at the Wanggongchang Armory, which was one of several arms depot situated within the capital.
These armories held great significance for Beijing’s security and the preparedness of Ming China’s defense forces.
Unfortunately, this was also the area where a majority of the population resided.
Then a bright flash of light was seen.
Moments later a huge bang was heard that shattered the sky and crumbled the earth.
An immense mushroom cloud was seen towering above the city.
The explosion flattened everything within an area of two square kilometers surrounding the site.
Thousands of people who were nearby at the time perished and thousands of houses were left in ashes.
Buildings and other structures were demolished by the explosive force and their fragments scattered on the street.
A 2.5 ton stone lion was thrown over the city wall.
Trembling was felt more than 150 kilometers away.
The explosive force tore away peoples bodies, transforming them into bloody fragments.
These body parts were carried over large distances where it rained down from the sky.
This was the disaster that happened in the Imperial Gunpowder Workshop.
Trees, stones, people, and birds poured down to earth from the sky like rainfall.
Thousands of houses were razed; hundreds of people were killed.
The deceased were all naked.
Objects were moved from their original locations and dropped elsewhere.
Portrait of the Tianqi emperor in court costume.
Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons
Determining the root cause behind the explosion presented a formidable challenge.
The detonation had erased any remnants of the disaster site, leaving scant evidence for investigative efforts.
Yet, the magnitude of the Wanggongchang Explosion overshadowed all these challenges.
It was seen as a celestial reprimand from above, underscoring the emperor’s ineptitude.
The Wanggong Explosion played a pivotal role in hastening the downfall of the Ming dynasty.
The extensive relief and rescue operation placed an immense burden on the already strained Ming government budget.
Emperor Tianqi himself would pass away the subsequent year.
