WAR GAS TRAGEDY

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1928, Page 9

WAR GAS TRAGEDY

EXPLOSION IN HAMBURG ELEVEN CITIZENS KILLED THREAT TO WHOLE CITY MYSTERY AS TO ITS ORIGIN By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Press Association. London, May 21. An explosion in Hamburg, which was not loud and not destructive, was immediately followed by a great volume of death-dealing fumea spreading over the city. Police and firemen, aided by ammonia, heroically struggled to rescue those in peril. Nine collapsed and died. While the fate of a great portion of the city was hanging in the balance the situation was saved by a merciful change of the wind, which veered in such a manner as to blow the gas towards an isolated neighbourhood. Heavy rainfall also helped to disperse it, but the danger was not considered past until this morning. Had the wind changed to the opposite direction, towards the congested parts, • is impossible to estimate the havoc that the gas cloud would have caused. It is stated that there was sufficient gas to wipe out an army. There is considerable discussion at present as to why a German firm wae in possession of phosgene, which was forbidden in Germany by the Versailles Treaty. Professor Haber, the most competent authority on poison gas, declares that it is only manufactured in Germany in the smallest quantities for dye purposes. It is one of the most dangerous gaeee, half a gramme in< one cubic foot of air being sufficient to kill. He is unable to understand where it came from, as it is stored by a limited number of firms subject to the greatest precautions. The 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 are dead. Received May 22, 8.30 p.m. London, May 21.

The latest details of the casualties show seven dead and 100 suffering. The tank belonged to a chemical firm responsible for war-time poison gas, which at present is in liquidation, and was awaiting removal abroad. The war-time name of the gae was “yellow vross.” 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, and though there is no immediate consequence, tin? person is liable to become suddenly worse and die some days afterwards.