BURSTING SHELLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1924, Page 5

BURSTING SHELLS.

THE ROUMANIAN DISASTER. EXPLOSION CONTINUING. CASUALTIES NOT KNOWN. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received May 30, 7-20 p.m. London, May 30. There is still no definite news from Bucharest regarding the casualties caused by the explosion of shells at the arsenal, but there are indications that the, effects of the explosion are even more serious than indicated yesterday. The latest messages state that telephones are dislocated owing to the collapse of the ceiling at the central exchange. The arsenal is situated at Catroceni, on the outskirts of the city close to King Ferdinand’s summer palace. The arsenal originally consisted of only a small magazine, but has grown with the army until it has become siucc the armistice one of Roumania’s most important arsenals. palace in the days of King Carol was not used by the sovereigns but only by the Crown Prince and Princess (the present monarchs). At the time of the explosion the Royal family, with the exception of Queen Marie, were in the residence entertaining the ex-King and Queen of Greece. All were compelled to evacuate to the town palace. ■The walls of the palace at Catroceni were scarred and pierced by projectiles as though by » fierce bombardment. Shops and offices closed when the explosion of heavy shells began, and people fled to the cellars or to the open country. The explosions are still dangerous and the arsenal is unapproachable at the time of the latest despatches. The Daily Express says Queen Marie who is in London, has received no news from King Ferdinand. FURTHER EXPLOSIONS. WIDESPREAD DAMAGE. Bucharest, May 29. Explosions continue, and many panic-stricken inhabitants are leaving the city. The numbers killed and injured are not yet known. The damage is estimated at 100,000,000 francs.