[varjag]

If prior to the explosion you were told that all dangerous cargo is stored in dangerous cargo area of the port, would you've thought it is stupid?

[ALittleLight]

Would I have thought that storing a massive amount of explosives next to flammable material in the middle of a city was a bad idea? Yes.

I don't claim to be a prophet, but it's hard for me to see why anyone wouldn't think that would be a bad idea.

[varjag]

That's probably how it's done in your nearest port, as well as anywhere else. With actual storage and fire safety procedures (hopefully) better followed.

Same reason you have ammunition depots in the military and not mixed storage of your howitzer shells with MREs and socks. Partitioning hazardous stuff into dedicated holds with heightened access and fire security is how it's done everywhere.

[Chris2048]

I'd expect the "dangerous cargo area" to be a specialised, and somewhat more highly scrutinised area of the port.

[varjag]

These are the realities in many parts of the world: safety routines are followed only as much as to obtain the necessary international certification/rating for the site.

Consider this the next time there's discussion about merits of introducing nuclear power globally.

[gonzo41]

Familiarity breeds contempt is probably the best explanation.