100 BURNED TO DEATH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 694, 22 February 1933, Page 1

100 BURNED TO DEATH.

Explosion and Fire in Chinese Factory. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. SHANGHAI. Februarj r 21. A ghastly industrial tragedy occurred this morning when a Chinese rubbershoe factory in the Yangtse-poo district was gutted by fire, following a boiler explosion. The death roll is estimated to total over 100, the victims being trapped in the burning building, which was twostoried. The main boiler exploded, blasting the walls, causing a huge blaze and severing the upstairs communication. A second explosion precipitated the majority of the 300 Chinese male and female employees, mostly children, into the raging furnace below. Seventy were taken to hospital in a terrible condition. A riot followed when a huge crowd of excited Chinese friends and relatives gathered, following the news of the disaster, resulting in incredible scenes. The local authorities are making inquiries, since the lack of any factorylegislation in Shanghai prevents the proper inspection of industrial establishments.