HAMBURG GASSED

Wairarapa Age, 23 May 1928, Page 5

HAMBURG GASSED

DEADLY FUMES. LUCKY CHANGE OF WIND. United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, May 21. The Hamburg explosion was not loud or destructive, but it was immediately followed by a great volume of deathdealing fumes overspreading the city. The police and firemen, aided by ammonia, heroically struggled to the rescue. Nine collapsed and died. While the fate of a great portion of the city was 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. A heavy rainfall also helped to disperse it, but the danger was "not considered past until this morning. Had the wind changed in the opposite direction towards the congested parts, it would have been impossible to estimate the havoc, as the gas cloud was stated to be sufficient to wipe out an army. There is considerable discussion at present as to why a German firm was in possession of phosgene, which is 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 of poison gases, 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 under 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 eleven are dead.—(Australian Press Association.) WAR TIME POISON GAS. LONDON, May 21. According to ffir latest list the casualties from the phosgene explosion are seven dead and a hundred suffering. The tank belonged to a chemical firm responsible for wartime poison gas and at present in liquidation. It was awaiting removal abroad. The wartime name of the gas was “yellow cross.” It was invisible, and, being heavier than air, lingered close to the ground, and was difficult to disperse. When weak it was hardly noticeable, and when it was inhaled, though there was no immediate consequence, the person inhaling was liable to become suddenly worse and die some days afterwards — (Australian Press Association.)

EXPLOSION OF CONTAINER IN STREET. THIRTY THOUSAND PEOPLE DRIVEN FROM HOMES. MANY DEAD AND DYING. United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrigh t. HAMBURG, May 21. A tank of phosgene gas exploded in the street last night and a great gas cloud settled in the neighbouring streets, which were hurriedly evacuated, thirty thousand people being driven from their homes. It is known that three are dead and a hundred were taken to hospital, all in danger of death. The Reichswehr was mobilised to assist the firemen in attempting to disperse the cloud with ammonia. All available gas masks were commandeered and further supplies sent in a special train from Berlin.—(Australian Press Association.)