LONDON EXPLOSION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15128, 24 January 1917, Page 5

LONDON EXPLOSION.

OFFICIAL LIST OF CASUALTIES. (High Commissioner’s Cable.) LONDON, January 23. The official report as to tne total casualties from Friday’s explosion is as under:—Killed, 44 men, 11 women, 14 children; seriously injured, 72; slightly injured, 328. This list is believed to be complete, though some in hospital may die. 1000 PEOPLE HOMELESS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) ’ LONDON, January 22. The insurance companies assert that their companies are not liable for damage done by the munition factory explosion, though some may make compassionate allowances. No doubts are felt that the tragedy was purely accidental, but wild rumours are current. One rumour is that the killed and wounded total thousands. The search among the ruins continues. It is the belief in official ■circles that the deaths will not exceed 100, the seriously Injured about TSO, and the number of less injuries 500. There were many cases of looting among the ruins. Pathetic sc.enes occurred at the inquest. The coroner announced that he was not attempting a full investigation. The evidence disclosed several extraordinary and tragic escapes. The local Mayor states that 1000 people are homeless. TJie Government is prepared to do Something to relieve the distress. Counsel on behalf of the Minister for Munitions has announced that all proper claims for injury or damage to property will be considered, and the Munitions Company also have promised to deal generously with the compensation claims. The inquest has been adjourned for a fortnight. Reports indicate that the explosion was heard 96 miles away. (The Times.) LONDON, December 22. It is estimated that the explosion broke £IOOO worth of glass in London. His Majesty the King has contributed £250 and Queen Alexandra £IOO ;to the relief of the explosion sufferers.