As the U.S. was embroiled in the space race and the Vietnam War, Thiokol saw an opportunity in Woodbine in both realms. After securing a space contract with NASA, the prospect of 2,000 jobs in the small town was on the horizon until budget cuts from the federal government cut it short. Then came Vietnam and the need for weapons such as the trip flare.

With the new contract came ample employment opportunities for African American women in Woodbine, but it also came at a risk.

Follow along with our visual episode companion at SavannahNow.com.

Other media in this episode, including songs, newscasts and speeches were used for educational purposes.

Executive producers: Anne and Pat Longstreth, Nancy Guan, Zach Dennis

Host: Nancy Guan

Music: Andrew Sovine

Special thanks to Jannie Everette with the Thiokol Memorial Project

As the U.S. was embroiled in the space race and the Vietnam War, Thiokol saw an opportunity in Woodbine in both realms. After securing a space contract with NASA, the prospect of 2,000 jobs in the small town was on the horizon until budget cuts from the federal government cut it short. Then came Vietnam and the need for weapons such as the trip flare.
With the new contract came ample employment opportunities for African American women in Woodbine, but it also came at a risk.
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Follow along with our visual episode companion at <a href="https://www.savannahnow.com/in-depth/news/state/2023/02/02/tripwire-podcast-episode-1-thiokol-plant-explosion-woodbine-georgia/69837362007/">SavannahNow.com</a>.
Other media in this episode, including songs, newscasts and speeches were used for educational purposes.
<hr>
Executive producers: Anne and Pat Longstreth, Nancy Guan, Zach Dennis
Host: Nancy Guan
Music: <a href="https://www.andrewsovine.com/">Andrew Sovine</a>
Special thanks to Jannie Everette with the <a href="http://thiokolmemorial.org/">Thiokol Memorial Project</a>

Tripwire, a production of the Savannah Morning News, investigates the 1971 chemical explosion at the Thiokol Chemical Corp. plant in Woodbine, Georgia. The blast killed 29 people, predominately Black women, and injured nearly 50 others, leading to decades of legal battles between the families of victims and survivors, and the company and U.S. government.

Tripwire, a production of the Savannah Morning News, investigates the 1971 chemical explosion at the Thiokol Chemical Corp. plant in Woodbine, Georgia. The blast killed 29 people, predominately Black women, and injured nearly 50 others, leading to decades of legal battles between the families of victims and survivors, and the company and U.S. government.

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