FIRE AT PENITENTIARY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 95, 23 April 1930, Page 9

FIRE AT PENITENTIARY

FOUR HUNDRED DEATHS CONVICTS CAUGHT IN CELLS OTHERS HAMPER RESCUERS IBy Telegraph—Pres* Association— Copy right I Received April 22, 9 p.m. NEW YORK, April 21. It is reported from Columbus (Ohio) that at least 300 men, mostly convicts •were burned or suffocated to death at the Ohio Penitentiary late on Monday when a fire swept a section of the old prison. Early in the evening the prison yard took on the aspect of a battlefield, with heavily armed guards, but there was no indication of any attempts to escape. The prisoners immediately gave aid with all available fire apparatus. The warden removed 700 convicts from the cells to which the fire was sweeping. Great crowds gathered outside the walls. The penitentiarv comprised a score of cell blocks. The fire started m the old parts on the west side of the structure and tore through them, fanned by a westerly gale, towards the newer dormitories in the eastern block. The flames spread with awful rapidity and almost before the general alarm was carried through the prison 100 men were burned to death. They were trapped in the oldest dormitory, live hundred others were immediately liberated from the buddings and ran into the prison yard where they huddled together suffocated by the dense smoke. Scenes of confusion continued and as darkness was approaching soldiers arrived to guard the 600 prisoners who had been drafted into the yard from the burning section, while heavy guards were placed at the gates lest the loose convicts might make a break for liberty or be driven insane. Prisoners Start Fires Later, further outbreaks of fire occurred. These are attributed to attempts by prisoners to escape, since it is reported that the convicts threatened the firemen, cut the hose and set fire to the cotton supply. Fifteen hundred troops closed in on over 1000 convicts loose in the yard. Many who, early *n the evening, aided in the work of rescue became excited by the confusion and were difficult to control. However, it is believed that all will soon be herded into the dining quarters.

Major-General Huff, in charge of the troops, ordered all women nurses from the prison and the fire chief appealed to the better element of the prisoners to aid in maintaining order. The fire, which seemingly started in several positions, swept swiftly through the building. In one cell block a group of “bad men” screamed for aid. A warder discovered that the keys had been lost and bashed in the doors with a sledge hammer. Three hundred and six bodies ci convicts trapped in the cells been counted but the Warden fears that the toll will be far greater since there are dead and dying on all sides. Convicts screaming in the flames continued to make no attempt to escape. All who are able to are cooperating with the rescue workers. The fire is now believed to be under control. The majority of the victims apparent!? died as a result of dense smoke. Policemen, firemen, State and United States troops are doing all possible to aid the guards and convicts to rescue the victims. Doctors are working valiantly amid scenes of utter confusion. Received April 22, 11 p.m. VANCOUVER, April 22. The latest figures place the death roll at 363. but the total will probably top 400. Many were burned beyond identification and lay stretched row upon row across the water-soaked courtyard.