BLOWN UP

Southland Times, Issue 25312, 15 June 1935, Page 7

BLOWN UP

MUNITION FACTORY ■' ’ ' '-,1 .i-: DISASTER IN GERMANY FATALITIES TOTAL 61 FIRE AFTER EXPLOSION .{United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Berlin, June 13,* One of the worst disasters in central Germany occurred when the munition factory at Reinsdorf blew up while working at full pressure. It is officially stated that. 22 bodies have been recovered and it is believed that there are 39 dead in the niins. Seventy-five were severely injured and 300 slightly injured. The factory was the only one which, under the Versailles Treaty, had the right to manufacture explosives for the Reichswehr. Fire followed the firsts explosion at 3 p.m., causing others that levelled the entire works. Many neighbouring houses were demolished. The explosions shattered windows within a radius of miles. The fire was burning for hours and prevented extrication of the bodies. All the available nurses and doctors were rushed to the scene. The local hospitals are overflowing and schools were temporarily requisitioned. Storm Troopers and police formed a cordop round the district, preventing hundreds of sightseers attracted from scores of miles away approaching the fire. The announcement of the disaster was banned in Berlin till 10 p.m., radio stations continuing to broadcast music as if nothing had happened. An official statement described the works as a fireworks factory. A MODERN PLANT WORKERS TRAPPED IN BUILDING. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7 p.m.) London, June 14. ' The Reinsdorf correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that early this morning the dull glow of flames still marks the ruins of the biggest and most modem explosive works in Germany. There were altogether 800 workers. The disaster originated in the store room, which was filled with dynamite. Many more would have lost their lives here but for the presence of mind of a workman who, seeing the flames, called his comrades, who rushed from the building. No warning was possible for the men in an adjoining building, where the roof collapsed, burying the workmen. Four serious explosions occurred during the night. the casualties MUCH HIGHER ESTIMATE. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 1.5 a.m.) Berlin, June 14. Residents of Reinsdorf put the casualties much higher than the official estimates. Some say that fully 500 aie dead or injured.