The Sun.
London, England, 1861-07-12 00:00:00

TERRIBLE BOILER EXPLOSION.

Yesterday morning, at nine o'clock, a fearful
boiler explosion took place at the manufactory of
Mr. E. Mincher, bone button-manufacturer, Hack-
ney-wick, near the Victoria-park station. The ex-
plosion has caused loss of life, injury to many per-
sons, and extensive damage to the factory of .Nlr-
George Spill, waterproof clothing-manufacturer.
The premises of Mr. Mincher occupy a large space
of ground near the North London Railway, and
Mr. George Spill's factory, recently constructed, Is
within fifty yards of Mr. Mincher's premises, with
a wide road between. There was a large Cornish
boiler in a shed outside Mr. Mincher's factory,
which furnished steam to the engine and machinery
in the workshops. A few minutes before nine
o'clock the boiler exploded with a loud report. The
boiler-house, engine-house, a large portion of the
factory, and a shed were destroyed, and a portion
of the materials were thrown over and upon the
North London Railway, 200 yards distant. Mr.
George Spill's counting-house, a large brick build-
ing three stories in height, was exposed to the full
force of the explosion, the plate glass windows were
shattered, and other damage was inflicted. Directly,
the explosion occurred Mr. Spill and his men, and
Mr. Barnes, the proprietor of a chemical factory
adjoining, rendered every possible assistance. They
raised ladders against the walls of the factory, and
after one end of it had been blown out they caught
the people as they jumped from the windows, and
saved them from destruction. The engine-house
and factory were a heap of ruins directly after the
explosion occurred. A man named Bishop, who
was lying asleep on his back near the engine-house,
was scalded and burnt; he was also covered with hot
bricks and the debris, and when extricated was appa-
rently lifeless. He was taken to St. Bartholomew's,
Hospital, where he died a few hours afterwards.
Several other persons were injured. Mr. Spill caused.
them to be removed to his premises, and obtained,
the assistance of several medical men. After the
necessary attendance and surgical treatment the
parties were removed to their own homes. Messrs.
George Spill and Co.'s premises, occupying an area
of two acres, are much damaged by the explosion.
Mr. Spill and his son were crossing the road be-
tween the two factories when the explosion took
place, and were knocked down by the concussion.
They soon recovered themselves, and proceeded to
the assistance of the women in Mr. Mincher's em-
ploy. The boiler which exploded is a very large
one, and nearly new. The general opinion is that:
the water spaces were too contracted and collapsed.
Last night many thousands were proceeding to
the scene of the disaster. A strict inqiry will take
place respecting the origin of the explosion and the
state of the boiler.

COUNTRY DIA.RXBTS.

BIRMINGHAM-JULY 11.

At to-day's market there was a short supply of 'Eng-
lish wheat from the farmers, and higher prices were de-
manded, but no reduction submitted to; and the sales
made of both foreign and English realised quite as much
money. Barley sold at 6d per qr dearer. Oats, beans, and
peas unaltered.