A CARNIVAL HORROR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11538, 24 November 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

A CARNIVAL HORROR.

'tfHE DRESSES OP SEVENTEEN PERSONS SET ON FIRE. The annual Cycling Carnival held at Wrexham lately was marred by a terrible accident to one of the fancy dress cars, which contained about seventeen persons, all dressed in wadding. They were the employes of a gentleman who owns some leather works. Just as they were leaving the yard someone threw a lighted match into their midst, with the result that they were all more or less seriously burnt. Some were removed to the house, whilst several were conveyed to the infirmary, in aid of the funds of which carnival was held. Another account says: — A sad accident marred an otherwise successful cycle carnival at Wrexham in aid of the local infirmary. In lighting up a cai representing an Arctic exploration scene a match was dropped on the cottonwool enveloping one of the explorers, who was at once enveloped in flames. One of his companions rushed to his assistance, and his "fluffy" clothing also ignited. Others also attempted to quell the flames, and shared the fate of their companions until five persons were bo seriously Durnt that they had to be conveyed to the infirmary. The whole of the car wap enveloped in flames, but the three horses attached to it (who were also dressed in cottonwool) were released before the flames reached them, or the mishap would have assumed even more serious proportions, as the streets were densely packed with spectators." i