The explosion in Stowmarket involved the manufacturing of guncotton, a highly explosive material used extensively in military applications. Guncotton, created by nitrating cotton with nitric acid, was recognized during the 19th century as a significant advancement in explosive technology due to its enhanced stability compared to traditional gunpowder. However, its production posed several dangers due to the sensitive nature of the materials used and the processes involved.

The incident occurred within a factory located in the town, which produced munitions for the military. On the fateful day, as workers were engaged in their tasks, an accidental ignition led to a catastrophic explosion that ripped through the facility, killing 28 workers immediately and injuring many others. The power of the blast was so immense that it was felt miles away from the site, and debris was scattered throughout the town. Local residents rushed to the scene to assist, creating a chaotic environment where emergency responses became logistically problematic.

Firefighting efforts were hindered by the fear of further explosions and the overwhelming number of casualties being treated. In addition to the human toll, the explosion caused significant damage to nearby buildings, some of which were rendered uninhabitable. The aftermath of the disaster sparked debates about safety regulations in the industrial manufacturing sector, particularly for hazardous materials like guncotton. Investigations were launched to understand the causes and to prevent such tragedies in the future. Inquiries into factory safety standards were led by local authorities, eventually leading to stricter regulations on hazardous materials manufacturing.