Hundred Clergymen Take Part In Burial Of Explosion Victims

Northern Advocate, 22 March 1937, Page 5

Hundred Clergymen Take Part In Burial Of Explosion Victims

Wnited Press Association. —iSy Electric Telegraph. — Copyright .] • (Received 10 a.m.)

NEW YORK, March 20. THE bodies of most of the victims of the explosion at the Overton High School, Texas, were interred today in cemeteries scattered over a wide area, in the eastern pa rt of the State. The burials were preceded by mass funeral services In the churches of the towns of ( New London, Overton, Henderson and Pleasant Hill, One'hundred clergymen representing all denominations participated. Coffins containing The bodies were carried to the churches from the various temporary mortuaries, and, by the time the families entered the churches, the coffins had been arranged in rows. The parents were urged to forgo the usual final look at the dead. Many florists, with extra helpers, worked through the night preparing wreaths. Hearses from all parts of the State had been marshalled, but there Was not sufficient for the burials, so all the remainder will be buried

tomorrow.

Thirty Cemeteries Used.

There are more than 30 cemeteries, in this region, and families of the victims have been permitted to choose where their dead should be interred.

In spite of a thunderstorm with rain most of the day turning the red clay, into sticky mud, oil field workers had completed most of the graves and the rest are to be dug at daybreak. Other highway traffic was halted to permit the corteges to reach the cemeteries. .

Funeral processions crowded the roads and 455 burials took place in six cemeteries in the explosion area. Condolences from foreign Governments in many parts of the world have been receiyed, also contributions.

A chemistry expert, testifying at ari inquiry into the explosion, expressed the opinion that; gas seeped through the hollow tile of the school building, Gas Heating For Economy Reasons. The builder of the' school testified that gas heating was chosen for reason of economy in preference to more costly systems. . •

The Governors of Texas and Oklahoma have ordered' a cessation of gas heating in all schools, pending an investigation as to their safety.

"A final estimate of the dead is not yet possible. One thousand oilfield workers completed the search of the ruins and 425 bodies were recovered, including those of 14 teachers; ■ Of the injured, J 125 are in a serious condition, and most of them are expected to die.