In October 1944, Cleveland witnessed a catastrophic incident when liquefied natural gas escaped from storage tanks, leading to a massive explosion that obliterated 30 blocks of the city. The explosion occurred during a time when natural gas was becoming increasingly common as a fuel source, yet safety protocols were still being developed. Eyewitnesses reported a thunderous roar as the explosion shook the ground, sending debris flying and igniting fires that engulfed nearby structures. Emergency services struggled to respond to the scale of the disaster, as many streets became impassable due to wreckage and fires.

The explosion not only resulted in the loss of 130 lives but left hundreds more injured, with damages to property reaching millions of dollars. This incident forced the local government and industry leaders to reevaluate safety regulations concerning the storage and handling of liquefied natural gas, which was a relatively new and unregulated industry at the time. In the aftermath, investigators delved into the causes, which highlighted the need for better infrastructure and emergency response plans.

Cleveland's residential neighborhoods and businesses were profoundly affected, taking years to rebuild. This explosion served as a stern reminder of the potential dangers associated with natural gas and influenced future legislation aimed at enhancing safety protocols and building codes. It also shifted public perception towards natural gas use during a period when energy demands were escalating, spurring interest in developing safer technologies for natural gas transport and storage.