THE EXPLOSION AT ROME.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9090, 23 May 1891, Page 2

THE EXPLOSION AT ROME.

TERRIBLE COMMOTION IN THE CITY. About 7 o'clock on the morning of April 23 a tremendous explosion shook the city to its foundations, • spreading terror and dismay on all sides. The people rushed affrighted from their homes into the streets. Houses rocked, pictures fell from the walls, thousands of panes of glass were broken everywhere, crockery was shattered, furniture overturned, and chimneys crashed . down upon the roofs, and in some instances toppled over into the streets below. The cupolas on the Houses of Parliament, immediately after the explosion, shook violently and then collapsed with a crash, which added etill further to the fee ing of terror. The scenes in the streets and in the houses after this fearful explosion have possibly never before been equalled during the history of modern Rome. The thoroughfares were strewn with bricks, stones, splintere, and other' debris hurled there by the force of the powerful concussion Doors, windows, and cupboards were burst open ; rents and cracks appeared in the walls, and plaster fell from ceilings People were thrown from their beds by the shock, and cries of terror filled the air as thousands of families rushed out into tho streets. When something like order was restored the real cause of the explosion becarao known. It was discovered that the- immense powder magazine at Pazza Pantleo, four kilometers from Rome, had exploded, and that it had caused enormous damage to the neighbouring fort. Previous to the final explosion the officer in command heard a rumbling sound, and ordered the soldiers to leave the fort. Thus a terrible disaster was averted. As it was, several peasants who were in the vicinity of the scene were killed, and a number of othora more or lobs injured. The Vatican shook with the rest of the building, and several famous historical stained glass windows were shattered. The full amount of the damage is not known, but the loss is very severe.