THIRTY KILLED

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 46, 18 November 1936, Page 11

THIRTY KILLED

Explosion in French Powder Factory SCENES OF TERRIBLE RUIN At Least 200 Persons Injured B.v Telegraph.—Presss Assn.—Copyright Marseilles, November 16. Thirty persons were killed and at least 200 were injured in a terrific explosion in a Government powder factory in the village of Saint Chamas, 25 miles north-west of Marseilles. The main part of tlie factory blew up while tlie whole management, the fire brigade, and other helpers were fighting an outbreak of fire in an adjoining building. A fire engine was blown to pieces. People at a distance felt the ground shake as in an earthquake. Twenty-nine bodies have been taken from tlie wreckage. Three other bodies, stripped of clothing and one of them decapitated, can be seen by journalists and photographers, who are not allowed to approach the ruins. Two other bodies, also naked, were hurled 200 yards.

The manager of the works. M. La Roque, was blown to pieces. The mayor of Saint Chamas, who was walking in the street, was thrown down and injured, but paid no attention to his wounds and organised assistance.

The roof of offices two miles from the scene of the explosion was ripped off, and buildings were damaged in every street of the little town. Windows wore broken 20 miles away.

All cars in tlie neighbourhood were requisitioned to take the injured to hospital. A Hundred persons were admitted to hospital at Salon. Troops were called out to assist in the rescue work.

Surrounding villages were plunged into darkness.

The factory is burning fiercely