a lorryload of shells blew up : EXPLODE, detonate, go off, ignite, erupt.
he blows up at whoever's in his way : LOSE ONE'S TEMPER, get angry, rant and rave, go berserk, flare up, erupt; informal go mad, go crazy, go wild, go ape, hit the roof, fly off the handle.
a crisis blew up : BREAK OUT, erupt, flare up, boil over; emerge, arise.
2192; headword