NAVAL DISASTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19198, 14 June 1924, Page 9

NAVAL DISASTER

CUN TURRET EXPLODES. FORTY MEN KILLED. ACCIDENT ON AMERICAN BATTLE* SHIP, Press Association—Ey Telegraph— Copyright. SAN FRANCISCO, June 12. (Received Juno 13, at 10.20 p.m.) A telegram from San Pedro (California) states that men were killed and 20 were injured when turret No. 2 on the battleship Mississippi blew up during tiring practice off Saij, Pedro. Shortly, after the battleship had entered the harbour and dropped anchor a second explosion occurred on board, rocking the harbour district. It was a Min shell, the projectile from which narrowly missed the passenger steamer Kale at the entrance of the harbour. The naval officers refused to comment on the disaster, and a rigid censorship w’as maintain'ed." According to official information four powder bags, containing 4501 b of explosive each were inside the rifle turret. One of the surviving sailors stated that the Min gun that ignited the powder supply was practising extreme elevation ■firing, the idea being to take advantage of the battleship’s roll or list in the opposite direction for attaining the maxi-, mum altitude and efficiency of the gun.— A. and N.Z. Cable.