New London School Gas Explosion

The video discusses the discovery of oil in Texas in 1901, which brought wealth to the region. By 1930, the East Texas oil field was booming, and the town of New London benefited from oil tax revenues, leading to the construction of a high school. However, cost-cutting measures led to a tragic explosion in 1937, killing 300 students and staff. This tragedy prompted the gas industry to add a smell to natural gas for safety, a practice still in use today.

What significant event in 1901 contributed to the wealth in Texas?

• The construction of railroads

• The establishment of new banks

• The discovery of oil

• The discovery of gold

What was the primary reason for the construction of a new high school in New London in 1932?

• A donation from a wealthy family

• Revenue from oil land taxes

• A growing population

• A government grant

What dangerous decision did the school board make to save money?

• Hiring unqualified teachers

• Using cheap building materials

• Reducing the number of safety drills

• Tapping directly into the local oil wells' natural gas supply

Why was the gas leak in the school not detected before the explosion?

• The gas was colorless

• The gas was odorless

• The gas was tasteless

• The gas was invisible

What triggered the explosion at the New London school?

• A spark caused by a shop teacher

• A lightning strike

• A faulty electrical wire

• A gas stove left on

How many students and staff lost their lives in the explosion?

• 200

• 100

• 400

• 300

What safety measure was introduced after the tragedy to prevent similar incidents?

• Regular gas leak drills

• Installing gas detectors in schools

• Banning the use of natural gas in schools

• Adding a smell to natural gas