FEARFUL EXPLOSION IN POWDER FACTORY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 273, 17 November 1936, Page 7

FEARFUL EXPLOSION IN POWDER FACTORY.

FRENCH DISASTER. Workers and Buildings Blown to Pieces. DEATH ROLL AT LEAST 30. United Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 2 p.m.) MARSEILLES, November 16. There was a terrific explosion in I the Government powder factory at the village of St. Chamas, 25 miles north-west of Marseilles. It is believed 30 people were killed and 200 , injured. Windows were broken 20 miles away. Troops were called out to assist in the rescue work. The surrounding villages were plunged in darkness. [ The main part of the factory blew up while workers were fighting the fire in another part. People a distance away felt the ground shake as if an earth"quake had occurred. Cars in the neighbourhood were requisitioned to take the injured to hospital, 100 being admitted to hospital at Salon. The chief of the powder works, M. La Roque, was blown to pieces. Twentynine bodies were taken from the wreckage. Journalists and photographers were not allowed to approach the ruins but three other bodies, stripped of their clothing and one decapitated, could be seen. Two others; also naked, were hurled 200 yards away. The Mayor of St. Chamas was walk-" ing in the street and was thrown down and injured, but without receiving attention to his wounds he organised assistance for the injured. The casualties were higher owing to the whole management of the factory, the fire brigade and other helpers fighting the fire in the adjoining building. The fire engine was blown to pieces. The works cover an area of five miles. The roof of the off ices, two miles from the scene of the explosion, was ripped off and buildings were damaged in all streets of the little town.