The Collision: What Caused the Halifax Explosion? | From …

T he Halifax Explosion was caused when two ships collided in the narrowest part of Halifax Harbor on the morning of Thursday, December 6, 1917.. The SS Mont Blanc, a French ship was arriving from New York City filled with munitions for World War I in Europe. In addition to the 2,925 tons of explosives in its hold, it carried barrels of highly flammable benzol and picric acid on the deck.

http://exhibits.hsl.virginia.edu/halifax/collision/