On the morning of October 4, 1918, a massive explosion rocked the shell loading plant in Morgan, New Jersey, which was crucial to the United States’ war efforts during World War I. The shell loading facility specialized in filling munitions with explosives to support American military forces engaged overseas. Just after 8:30 AM, a series of violent blasts occurred, leading to the destruction of the plant and the tragic loss of life for over 100 workers, many of whom were engaged in perilous manufacturing tasks essential to the war effort.

Witnesses reported a fireball followed by multiple successive explosions that echoed through the area, shattering windows and causing panic among locals. First responders quickly arrived on the scene, but the devastation was extensive, complicating rescue efforts and firefighting operations. The incident not only highlighted the dangers inherent in wartime production but also underscored the urgency faced by factories as they struggled to meet munitions demand for the troops fighting in Europe. The tragedies surrounding munitions manufacturing prompted discussions regarding workplace safety measures that were sparse at the time.

In the aftermath of the explosion, investigations were launched to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences. The event served as a grim reminder of the perils faced by workers in wartime industries and catalyzed calls for improved safety standards in manufacturing settings. This tragedy remains one of the deadliest industrial accidents in New Jersey history and illustrated the often-overlooked consequences of wartime production efforts.