Vallisaari Explosion Memorial - Suomenlinna, Helsinki
Posted by: 
Mikkozzz
N 60° 08.493 E 024° 59.165
35V E 388160 N 6668880
Obelisk-shaped memorial "Mortuis" (For the dead) commemorates the Vallisaari explosion of 1937.
Waymark Code: WM94B5
Location: Finland
Date Posted: 06/27/2010
Views: 78
A violent explosion at army's weapons loading unit in Vallisaari island destroyed the magazine and much of the nearby infrastructure. 12 people were killed and dozens wounded. The shockwave caused earthquake-like shaking 5 km away in Helsinki.
The explosions continued for a day and a massive black cloud rose above the island. People fled in panic to mainland.
Many of the dead were buried near Piper's Park on neighbouring Suomenlinna island, where the memorial stands today.
The years engraved on the memorial refer to the following conflicts and disasters:
1808, The Finnish war against Russia and the capitulation of Viapori
1855, Early bombardments of the Crimean war
1906, The Viapori revolt
1917, Finnish independence (6th Dec 1917)
1918, Independent Finland takes control of the fortress and renames it Suomenlinna. A conflict prevails between Red and White forces which results in Red prisoners being held. The prisoners fall victim to malnutrition and disease and many die
1937, The explosion at Vallisaari
Disaster Date: 07/09/1937
Date of dedication: 07/09/1951
Memorial Sponsors: City of Helsinki and Defence Forces
Disaster Type: Technological
Relevant Website: [Web Link]
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
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