DISASTROUS EXPLOSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12600, 14 September 1905, Page 5

DISASTROUS EXPLOSION

ADMIRAL TOGO'S FLAGSHIP SUNK.

FEARFUL LOSS OF LIFE

United Press Association.—Copyright,

Received September 13, 9.23 a.m

TOKIO, September 12. = The battleship Mikasa, anchored aii Sasebo, caught fire at midnight and ■ sank at 2.30 on Monday morning. While efforts were being made to extinguish, the flames, the aft magazine exploded, blowing a hole in the port side below the water line. .'■•■■'

The casualties were 599, including Vescuers from other ships. . '

Admiral Togo was not aboard.at th&? time.

The disaster created a profound sensation and gloom among all classes in

Japan

The fire originated at the base of the Mikasa's mainmast, and it is believed it was due to an over-charge of electricity • . "■^'■i;>. The magazine exploded within an hour. - r There arb some prospects of raising and repairing tho battleship, inasmuch as she was. sunk in shallow water.

The battleships Shikishima and Asahi, the torpedo gunboat Satsu, the destroyers Murakumo and Kasumi, and four auxiliary cruisers sent parties to assist tho crew.

THE CASUALTY LIST

Received September 13, 10.10 p.m. LONDON, September 13. The "Times' " Tokio correspondent states that five are known to have been killed, 250 are missing, and 343 wounded. >•

The "Telegraph" states that the fire took place at 20 minutes past midnight.

Officers casualties: 1 killed, 5 missing, and 11 wounded.

The Mikasa had only just left for a certain destination, and the danger of thfi final explosion was not apprehended, othenvise more would have been

sa\ ed