FIRE AT VILA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 45, 21 January 1928, Page 9

FIRE AT VILA.

SEVERAL LIVES LOST. MANY PEOPLE INJURED. SUVA, Jan. 20. The British Resident Commissioner at Vila, New Hebrides, reports that a serious fire and explosion occurred at Vila on the night of January 17. Two main stores and a bulk store were completely demolished, together with three small building and timber yards. No Government buildings were affected. The known casualties are: Dead, Europeans 6, French 1, British 2, Chinese and Tonkinese 3, French natives 15. Those suffering from minor injuries, French 4, natives 30. The British Commandant of Police and Assistant Commandant received superficial injuries in the execution of their duty. The fire is now extinguished and well in hand. Unofficially the loss is estimated at probably £200,000. —Press Association. NINE BURNED TO DEATH. SYDNEY, Jan. 20. Advices received from the New Hebrides state that nine persons were burned to death in tho fire which destroyed the premises of the French New Hebrides Company. The manager and five members of the staff were entrapped in the store and burned. Altogether there were 45 casualties, caused mostly by exploding ammunition. — Press Association.