A blue-white flash. The explosion, the pressure, the firestorm—never in the world had humankind experienced such a blast. Flames burst out in the next instant and leapt skyward. Breaking the hushed stillness over the boundless debris, the fire roared.

Some lay unconscious, pinned by fallen beams. Others, regaining their senses, tried to free themselves, only to be enveloped by the crimson blaze. Glass shards pierced bellies, arms were twisted, legs buckled, people fell and were burned alive.

Hugging her child, a woman fought to free herself from beneath a fallen post.

"Hurry! Hurry!" someone shouted.

"It's too late."

"Then hand us the child."

"No, you run. I will die with my child. She would only be left to wander the streets."

The woman pushed away the helping hands and was consumed by flames.