DiscoverStories of AppalachiaThe 1919 Torrent, Kentucky Nitro Explosion
The 1919 Torrent, Kentucky Nitro Explosion

The 1919 Torrent, Kentucky Nitro Explosion

Update: 2025-09-06
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In 1919, a nitroglycerin explosion near Torrent, Kentucky, killed four men and leveled a factory. Today we tell the story of that tragedy and the explosive history of oil well “torpedoes” in Appalachia.

It’s another one of the Stories of Appalachia. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast if you haven’t done so already. 

You’ll find us wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
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The 1919 Torrent, Kentucky Nitro Explosion

The 1919 Torrent, Kentucky Nitro Explosion

Steve Gilly, Rod Mullins