Italian Munition Works Explosion; 100 Killed

Northern Advocate, 31 January 1938, Page 5

Italian Munition Works Explosion; 100 Killed

(Received 10 a.m.) ROME, January 29. JT is feared that more than 100 persons were killed and nearly 1000 injured in three explosions at the Segnl Munitions Factory near Tivoli. Policemen and soldiers formed a cordon round the works. The first explosion occurred in a concrete building where hand grenades and aeroplane bombs were stored. The second and greater explosion was in two neighbouring sheds. This was followed by a third and final explosion.

All parts of the town were damaged. Almost every window was shattered and doors far distant were torn off their hinges. An official communique says the explosions appear to have been the result of carelessness on the part of a worker, who caused

a cylinder of compressed air to explode. It is difficult accurately to enumerate the list of sufferers, owing to the ruin of the buildings, in which the rescuers are still digging, and the flooding of the cellars in the vicinity of the disaster to prevent further explosions. Heavy rain in the night extinguished the last smouldering embers. Troops for a long time prevented carloads of medical supplies reaching the stricken areas, as the drivers did not possess permits. The casualty list was lessened, as the first explosion, which occurred before 8 a.m. when the night shift was departing, prevented day workers going in, pending an investigation, during which the second and much the worst of the three explosions occurred.