The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-17
TERRIFIC BOILER EXPLOSION IN RAILWAY,
M. j.
One Person Killed, Another Fatally and
a Third Seriously Injured-Only $4,000
Worth OF Property Destroyed.

Runway, q .'Sleepy Hollow Jersey town, about
midway between Newark and New Brunswick, was
startled to lts core yesterday forenoon. in conse-
Guence Of terrific boiler explosion, which took
place between nine ana ten O'Clock, in the works
OF the Railway Glue Factory, located on the south
bank Of the Railway River, corner OF ST. George s
avenue, considerable distance from the centre
or the town. The result was the death of one
man. the fatally injuring of boy and the danger
ously wounding OF another man, besides the de-
struction OF about ten thousand dollars worth OF
property. The factory consisted OF large brick
and a good sized wooden structure. In the latter,
which stood OIL twenty feet from the brick building
nearer the river stood the boilers, two in number.
According to the statement made to HERALD re-
porter last evening by Mr.. f. p. Rogers president
OF the Glue Works, the superintendent and engin-
eer, Mr.. Kuern had. about halfpast nine O'Clock.
passed out OF the boiler room in order to take q
dose OF fever and ague medicine. lie had been
gone but about three minutes when away went the
boilers, with shock that made the earth tremble
demolshing one building-the woodenone-entirely
and smashing 10 pieces considerable portion
OF the man prick building, one boiler twenty.
feet long, weighing several tons, was hurled across
against the side of the brick building and tore 1t
or forty feet, burying good deal Of valuable ma
chinery One OF the boiler flues was shot over into
hay field, distance OF at least two hundred ieet.
close at hand the report sounded like that OF a
small gun, but a mile OIL IT resounded like park
OF artillery.
THE KILLED AND WOUNDED
Fritz Tuckerman, one OF the head workmen or the
place, had his leg broken, but not considered
otherwise seriously hurt. in two hours however
he dropped OF very suddenly and deu. Internal
injuries destroyed him. Frank Wise another man.
who considered at first by the doctors TO he most
seriously hurt and sure to die, rallied after while,
and was able to walk about. Robert Sophield, a
boy of sixteen, was engaged in the boiler room
cleaning brass work, &c. Strange to say, he was
not killed outright, though II was declared last
night impossible that he could live. Tuckerman
leaves u wife and several young children. The
escape OF Mr.. Kuern was singular 1t was a lucky
other persons had likewise marvellous escapes.
Mr.. Rogers, by an unusual occurrence, was away
from the factory and from the part in the brick
building which the flying boiler RACED to the ground.
LOSS
is estimated at about ten thousand dollars The
company was very busy aud about winding up its
business Tor the summer. Mr. Rogers claims that
the boilers ana machinery were In perfect order
and had been thoroughly overhauled last Fail that
then everything was IN sucn excellent order that
the inspectors advised him that 1t useless to
insure the same. There was an insurance on the
building OF $4,000. Outsiders say, however that
the boilers were old and nirm anu that ten pounds
OF steam could not possibly have done such terrific
destruction had they been safe and sound. Mr..
Rogers IL unable TO give the cause OF the explosion,
and claims that 1t is something that nobody can
ind out. Coroner Seldner has been notified OF the
death OF Tuckerman and VIII hold an inquest to-
day probably. Large crowds OF people visited the
scene OF the explosion yesterday, which furnished
a sort OF Tree circus to the ruralites.