**50 Years Later: Remembering Vancouver’s Deadly Terminal Explosion**

UPDATE: Today, October 3, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most catastrophic industrial accidents in Metro Vancouver’s history. On this day in 1975, a devastating fire and two explosions at the Burrard Grain Terminals in North Vancouver claimed the lives of five men and left twelve others severely injured.

Eyewitness accounts bring urgency and emotion to the commemoration, as survivors and families reflect on the tragedy. Mike Kalanj, whose father survived with severe burns covering 55 percent of his body, shared, “Anyone that was old enough and around will remember that day.” His father was among the workers present during the disaster, which was triggered by a second explosion from grain dust—a substance that can be 35 times more explosive than TNT.

The incident forced evacuations of nearby homes, as large pieces of charred wood rained down on residential areas. Kalanj recounts the harrowing moment, stating, “My mom was in the hospital, about to give birth to me and my twin brother. After the explosion, they wouldn’t let her look out the window because she could see the smoke.”

Local news outlets, including BCTV, covered the incident extensively, making it a pivotal moment in the community’s history. Kalanj’s father was hospitalized for six weeks but returned to work at the terminals, driven by the need to support his family. “It was a good-paying job,” Kalanj emphasized.

However, the physical scars were not the only legacy of that fateful day. Kalanj highlighted that his father suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a struggle that went unrecognized in the 1970s and 1980s. “He struggled a lot mentally. Most people didn’t see it because he kept it in,” Kalanj said, poignantly reflecting on a life marked by hidden trauma.

As the community reflects on this tragic anniversary, Kalanj urges a conversation about mental health and the human cost of industrial work. “For decades, we talked about this day in 1975, but we didn’t discuss the details,” he said. His father, who passed away nearly 12 years ago, left a powerful legacy that Kalanj now feels compelled to share.

As memorial events take place today, local officials and community leaders are emphasizing the importance of remembering not just the lives lost, but also the ongoing impact of such tragedies on families and workers. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada has called for a renewed focus on safety standards to prevent future incidents.

In the wake of this anniversary, community members are encouraged to engage in discussions about workplace safety and mental health awareness, ensuring that the lessons learned from this tragedy are not forgotten. The memory of that fateful day continues to resonate deeply, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safeguarding workers’ well-being.

Stay tuned for further updates and community events honoring the victims and survivors of the Burrard Grain Terminals explosion.