Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-12-18
LOCAL NEWS.
.f LOCAL NEWS.
Terrible Explosion at the Arsenal.
TEN MEN KILLED!
A NUMBER MISSING!
EXCITING SCENES


AT fifteen minutes to O'Clock this afternoon,
terrific explosion was heard in the direction
OF the arsenal shaking buildings in the very
heart OF the city, and soon it was aseertained
that the explosion had taken place in a small
building, about 20 by ~ feet TO the left of the
nam walk and near the large magazines.
This building was in charge OF Sergeant
Flint, of the Ordnance Corps, who had under
him the following persons, who were engaged
in sorting fixed ammunition, removing the
cartridges Jeremiah Mahoney, Patk Rear
don, Marshland w hiteley, John Crane James
Moran, Michael McDermott, John Meehan,
Martin Kyle, John Feely, Peter McGariehey.
Sergeant Flint had left the building about
two minutes before the explosion, some two
dozen rounds Of cartridges being then loose on
benches two boxes of ammunition containlnx
rounds, making in all, as far as be could ac
count for but about ~ pounds or powder when
!ne explosion took place and the building was
As soon as the explosion was heard officer
Weeden sounded an alarm of fire from box IL
which brought down steamers 2 and and the
nook ana ladder, and in q little time large
numoers OF persons were around the grounds.
bnt none were allowed To enter but the firemen
and police. . .f-- -.' = :
Numbers of women and children were seen
irantically running back and forth near the
gates and making inquiries for their friends
Tbs guards Were Immediately doubled by
Coi benton (who was promptly on the ground)
around the magazines, and the workmen were
al on &c directed to leave.
In short time, however, the fire In the ma.
teriai which composed the building and in a
large pile of boxes was extinguished prevent
ing another building in which n large amount
OF ammunition was stored from taking fire.
The terrible scene. Immediately after the ex.
plosion, was only equalled by the scene at the
explosion in June, 1854. some of the corpses
icing burned, blackened, and torn so as TO .x-
pose the rntrails, and none being recognizable
IrCm the features. yEs
There were seven found dead. The follow
ing are known 10 have been killed:-Jeremiah
Mahoney, Patrick Rrardon, john Crane, Jas
Moran, Mich'l McDermott, Jno. Feely, Marsh
and Whiteley, John Meehan and Peter Nc
GarieLey.
Mshoney's body was recognized by an ac-
COUNT book In pocket of his pants. Martin
Kyle was taken out horribly burned and
mangled, and was at once removed 10 the hos.
pital. ,r
James Lawler, who was near the building at
the time. was badly burned, aud Charles Linn,
adischareed one legged soldier, who was
ting on the poWder-cart near by at the time,
was go badly burned that he is not expected u
lave. He, with the mule and cart, were thrown
snort distance. and the mule was also badly
The deceased, as we'll as those injured, have
all been In the army and discharged, prefer
ence being given in employing men to those
from the army. .aa., .. I'd.
Col. Benton was promptly on the ground.
and superintended the operations to stay the
fames and the 2i4th Pa. regiment, on duty an
the post, rendered valuable assistance.
T. S.-John Crane is not dead, hut severely
burned about the head, hands and feet One OF
his feet is badly injured by a splinter. Hopes
are entertained of his recovery.
surgeon Porter, of the arsenal, W promptly
on the spot, and rendered eff Gent services AS
sisted by Dr. Miller. of the Navy Yard, Dr.
Croegon and DIR Ford. 49, ..E
THE GRAND CoSCERT for the benefit OF the
Ursuline Nuns Of Columbia, =. G., At CIonzaga