EXPLOSION IN ROUMANIA.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 1600, 31 May 1924, Page 7

EXPLOSION IN ROUMANIA.

- COMMUNICATIONS INTERRUPTED. DANGER NOT YET PASSED. (Auslrallan and N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, May 29. The latest messages stale that the telephone services are dislocated owing lo the collapse of the ceiling in the central exchange. The arsenal was situated at Catroceni on the outskirts of the city, near King Ferdinand's summer castle. The works originally consisted of only a small magazine, but they had grown with the army until they had become one of Rumania's most important arsenals. The castle in the days of King Carol was not used by the Soverign, but only by the Crown Prince and Princess. The present nionarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Marie, are affectionately attached to the .castle.

Al Ihe lime of the explosion the Royal Family excepl Queen .Marie was in residence, entertaining the ex-Jving and Queen of Greece. All were compelled to leave and go to the town palace. The Catroceni Castle walls were scarred and pierced by projectiles as though by a lierce bombardment. 'Shops and offices were cioscd when Hie explosion happened. When Ihe heavy shells began to fall and explode Ihe people lied |o cellars or into the open country. The explosion area was still dangerous and unapproachable at the lime the latest despatches were sent. The Daily Express says thai Queen Marie has received no news from King Ferdinand. It is officially staled that the damage by the explosion is extremely heavy, but there were no fatalities, and no indication as to Ihe cause of Ihe disaster.