  Gas and vapour explosions have been involved in industrial accidents since
the beginnings of industry. A century ago, at 11:55 am on Friday 24th September
1920, the petroleum barge Warwick exploded in London's docklands and seven men
were killed. Understanding what happened when it blew up as it was being
refurbished, and how to prevent similar explosions, involves fluid mechanics
and thermodynamics plus chemistry. I recount the 1920 accident as an example,
together with the history of thermo-kinetic explosions prior to 1920 and up to
the present day, and I review the history and the actual state of the science
of explosion and the roles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemistry in
that science. The science of explosions has been aware of its societal
implications from the beginning, but, despite advances in health and safety
over the past century, is there still work to do?
