suggest the presence of sodium or ammonium perchlorate. These chemicals are typically used in munitions, rocket propellants, and explosives. Satellite imagery reviewed by The Washington Post ...

says the explosion was caused by sodium perchlorate—a strong oxidizer that is used as part of rocket fuel. But that seems unlikely, according to Andrea Sella, a chemist at University College London.

A Washington Post report pointed to a violent chemical reaction as ... presence of sodium or ammonium perchlorate. These chemicals are typically used in munitions, rocket propellants, and explosives.