EXPLOSION IN HAMBURG

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20415, 23 May 1928, Page 7

EXPLOSION IN HAMBURG

TANK OF PHOSGENE GAS. DEATH-CARRYING CLOUD. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) BERLIN, May 21. A tank of phosgene gas exploded in the street at Hamburg last night, and a great gas cloud settled in the neighbouring streets, which were, hurriedly evacuated. Thirty thousand people were driven from their homes. It is known that three people are dead. One hundred are in hospital. They are all in a dangerous condition. The Reichswehr was mobilised to assist the firemen in attempting to disperse the cloud with ammonia. All available gas masks were commandeered, and further support was sent by a special train from Berlin.—Australian Press Association — United Service. SEVERAL DEATHS REPORTED. MERCIFUL CHANGE OF WIND. LONDON, May 21. The Hamburg explosion, which was not loud and was not destructive to property, was immediately followed by a great volume of death-ddaling fumes, which spread over the city. The police and firemen, aided by ammonia, heroically struggled to rescue ninp persons, who collapsed and died. While the fate of a great portion of the city was in the balance, the situation was saved by a merciful change of wind, which veered in such a manner as to blow the gas towards an isolated neighbourhood. A heavy rainfall also helped to dispense the gas, but the danger was not considered past until this morning. Had the wind changed to the opposite direction, towards the parts of the city, it is impossible to estimate the havoc that the gas cloud would have caused. , It ii stated that there was sufficient gas to wipe out an army.—Australian Prass Association. A PERTINENT QUESTION. GAS FORBIDDEN IN GERMANY. LONDON, May 21. There is considerable discussion at present on the question of why a German firm was in possession of phosgene, which is forbidden in Germany by the Versailles Treaty. Professor Haber, a most competent authority on poison gas, declares that it is only manufactured in Germany in the smallest of quantities for dye purposes. It was one of the most dangerous of gases. Half a gramme in one cubic foot of air was sufficient to kill. He said he was unable to understand where it came from, as it was stored by a limited number of firms under the greatest precautions. , . Tin? firm concerned alleged that it was old war material, destined partly for destruction and partly for export to the United States. It is now believed that 11 persons ar» dead.—Australian Press Association. THE LATEST DETAILS. SEVEN DEATHS SO FAR. LONDON, May 21. (Received May 22, at 5.5 p.m.) The latest details of the casualties show 7 dead and 100 in hospital. The tank belonged to a chemical firm which was responsible for war-time poison gas, but is at present in liquidation, and was awaiting removal abroad. The war-time name of the gas was “Yellow cross.” It is invisible, and being heavier than air. lingers close to the ground, and it is difficult, to disperse. When weak, it is hardly noticeable when inhaled, but through there is no immediate consequence the person is liable to become suddenly worse and die some days afterwards. —Australian Press Association.