The SS Kiangya was a passenger ferry involved in the transport of Nationalist Chinese refugees from Shanghai amidst the escalating conflict in the Chinese Civil War. The vessel was loaded not only with passengers fleeing the advancing People's Liberation Army but also with military supplies, including munitions. On December 4, 1948, as the ship navigated the Huangpu River, the stored explosives ignited, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. Eyewitnesses reported a massive blast, causing panic among the refugees and locals alike.

The explosion threw debris and people into the river, leading to a tragic loss of life. Estimates suggest that thousands were injured or killed in the incident, underlining the harrowing circumstances of the retreating Nationalists. The disaster occurred in a moment of desperation for many, as the Nationalist government faced mounting pressure from communist forces, and civilians sought safety amid the turmoil.

This incident not only underscores the immediate dangers faced by those trying to escape the impending communist takeover but also reflects the broader chaos that characterized the final stages of the Chinese Civil War. The government’s inability to ensure safe passage for civilians in such dire situations further exemplified the breakdown of order in Nationalist-controlled territories during this period.