The Harbour explosion occurred in Bergen, Norway on 20 April 1944. History The Dutch vessel Voorbode loaded with 273,000 lb of explosives caught fire and exploded by the quay in the center of Bergen Vågen at 08:39. 158 people (including 98 civilians) were killed and some 4,800 wounded. 131 houses were destroyed outright, while 117 were so damaged that they had to be condemned. Evacuation Following the explosion 4,260 children were evacuated. Important cultural buildings, including Nykirken, the Customs House, Bryggen, the Rosenkrantz Tower and the Haakon's Hall, were severely damaged, but have later been restored. Photos External links Bergen online encyclopedia on the explosion Article on the incident by the University of Bergen Digitalt fortalt: "Evakueringen" by Åsta Vadset, Bergen byarkiv (accessed 7 April 2011) Explosions in 1944 20th century in Bergen Explosions in Norway 1944 in Norway Maritime incidents in April 1944