North Carolina port closed due to high explosive hazardous material spill
The state port in Morehead City, N.C. was closed and evacuated yesterday when, according to reports, a forklift operator punctured at least one container of the high explosive known as PETN. PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) is one of the most powerful high explosives known and is often used as a plastic explosive. Like nitroglycerin, it is also used as a drug to treat certain heart conditions. PETN is more difficult to ignite than primary explosives, but it is sensitive to friction and shock.
Although no injuries were reported, the main access road to the port, U.S. 70, is closed and officials expect it to remain closed for the rest of the day. Clean-up crews are now on the scene and working to clear the area. The captain of the port ordered the facility closed and excluded vessels from operating near the area. According to the Coast Guard, they have established a two-mile safety zone around the port until the situation is resolved.
