The Halifax Explosion - Reflection of Nathan Smith - Store Owner

The morning of December 6th 1917 is a day that I will never forget. It was just before 9:00am, I was sweeping in my store when i heard the big bang. It scared me so bad i dropped my broom and ran under the counter in terror thinking that we were getting bombed or something. There was only one big bang why was there only one? When I finally gained the courage i went to my shop window and peeked out, it was right there in front of my eyes. Two ships had collided in the water, there was fire everywhere. I saw fire engines heading towards the scene. There was one guy running through the streets yelling that the ship was gonna explode. I was freaking out at that point so i decided to try and be safe by going into the wine cellar just in case. Just a few minutes after i entered the cellar i heard the screams and the sounds of the town falling apart above me. I waited a good 2 hours before i decided to leave the cellar, I opened the door and I looked around. My store was gone - rubble was everywhere.