TERRIFIC EXPLOSIONS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 255, 12 July 1926, Page 7

TERRIFIC EXPLOSIONS

IN NAVY AMMUNITION DEPOT EIGHTY LIVES BELIEVED LOST RAIN OF BROKEN TIMBER, STEEL AND BOILING OIL Four terrific explosions caused by lightning striking an ammunition depot, followed by a hail of broken timber, steel and concrete and -a flood of boiling oil, caused great loss of life in New Jersey.

By Tki.egr.afh.—Press Association.

(Ree. July 11, 11.5 p.m-) New York, July 10. A message from Lake Denmark, New Jersey, says: It is believed that eighty persons were killed by four terrific explosions, caused by lightning striking a powder magazine in the United States naval ammunition depot here. The loss of life cannot be accurately estimated, since the detonations rocked the country for thirty miles around, and reports coming in indicate that the inhabitants in matey small towns near the depot may have been killed, since the houses collapsed under the concussions. Many buildings were torn from their foundations, automobiles were hurled from the roads, and the sky was darkened by hurtling debris and smoke.

While the majority of those killed and injured are believed to be of the personnel of the depot, hospitals in the district near the scene are filled with injured civilians. The depot personnel after the first explosion was mustered to fight the fire, and these were caught

by the second explosion, which rained upon them great timbers, chunks erf steel, and concrete, and a flood of burning oil from bursted tanks. Tbe wives and children of enlisted personnel and officers having quarters near the depot were caught by exploding materials. The explosions had wide ramifications. An army arsenal situated in the town nearby was rocked to its foundations by the detonations, but there was no ignition of stores or shells. The quarters of the officers and men were unable to stand the force of the explosions, however, and ceilings crashed down injuring several persons.

Telephone exchanges many mile* away were deranged, hindering rescue work.

Physicians and nurses were rushed from New York and many other places. Open air hospitals were erected. Thousands of persons fled from their homes believing that a earthquake had occurred. Firemen from a large area have been assembled to check the flames and search the debris.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.