CYCLONE DESTROYS TOWN

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 April 1927, Page 5

CYCLONE DESTROYS TOWN

SCORES OF DEAD & WOUNDED TERRIBLE NIGHT SCENES' (Australian * N.Z. Cable Assn.) (By Cable—Press Assn. —Copyright.? NEW YORK, April 13. A message from San Antonio (Texas); states that the town of Rock Springs was wrecked by cyclonic winds last night while the inhabitants slept. Sixty-eight bodies have already been recovered. It is estimated that probable fatalities range between 75 and one hundred.

■ The Courthouse was the only building left standing and is being used as a receiving ward for the scores of dead and injured brought from the debris. Efforts at rescue work were impeded by the roaring waters of the Guadalupe River, which are holding Red Cross parties and medical authorities out of the town.

The cyclone came with such suddenness that none had a chance of escape. The houses, mostly of frail construction, were lifted from the foundations and splintered on the ground, and piled on top of each other over the entire area. Many, including children, were painfully crippled. In addition to those killed a hundred and fifty were injured, many probably fatally. An electrical storm followed the cyclone.

VICTIMS ELSEWHERE

NEW YORK, April 13.

The tornado also killed thirty-two in Sheffield, another town. The path of the storm was two miles wide. The deaths at Sheffield were reported when the crippled wire communications was partially restored.