Prague Disaster

Southland Times, Issue 20613, 11 October 1928, Page 7

Prague Disaster

Building Collapses WORKMEN AND PASSERS-BY BURIED Eighty Not Accounted For (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Prague, October 9. A seven-storied iron and concrete building, which was being constructed in one of the most-frequented thoroughfares, collapsed during the afternoon. Out of 87 workmen engaged on it 60 are still missing; also 20 passers-by. They are believed to be buried beneath the ruins. Thus far 12 dead and 16 seriously injured have been recovered from the debris. Two thousand soldiers in addition to the whole fire brigade are feverishly working to reach those imprisoned under the ruins. The cries of the injured can be heard continuously. The missing include the architect of the building, which was on the point of completion. The head and limbs were found of a woman who was wheeling a perambulator when the building collapsed, but there are no signs of the baby. The President closed the Senate which was sitting when the news was made known. The Mayor has ordered that all new buildings in Prague be inspected within 24 hours. —Australian Press Association. INFERIOR MATERIAL RESPONSIBLE. SUICIDE OF ARCHITECT. (Rec. 11.35 p.m.) Prague, October 10. Rescuers were working on the collapsed building all night with the aid of searchlights. It is feared that the death roll will be heavy. A well-dressed girl was crushed flat on the pavement beneath a massive concrete pillar. Every bone was broken. The failure is attributed to inferior material. The architect committed suicide. —Australian Press Association.