The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-04-24
A Terrific Explosion of Gunowder
Works Havoc in the Eter-
nal City.
Incalculable Damages to Historic
Buildings and Works
Of Art.
Several People Killed Outright-Narr0w
Escape of the Garrison-Frantic
Scenes In the City.

ROME, April 23.-At about seven O'Clock
this morning tremendous explosion SHOOK
the city to it's very foundations, spreading
terror and dismay on all sides. People
rushed affrightcd from their homes into
the streets, houses rocked. pictures fell
from the walls. thousands of panes of glass
were broken everywhere, crockery was shat
tered, furniture overturned, chimneys
crashed down upon roofs and in some in
stances toppled over into the streets below.
The cupola of the house of parliament.
immediately after the explosion, shook vio-
lently and then collapsed with crash
which added still further to the feeling of
terror. The scenes in the streets and in the
houses after this fearful explosion have,
possibly, never before been equal
ed during the history of modern
Rome. All thoroughfares are strewn
with bricks. stones, splinters and other
debris hurled there by the force of the
powerful conclusion. Houses, doors, win
dows and cupboards were burst open, rents
and cracks appeared in walls, plaster fell
from ceilings, and general desolation pre-
vailed. In many instances people were
thrown from their beds by the shock and
cries of terror filed the air as thousands
of families rushed out into the streets.
Parents with their children in their arms,
children leading aged parents, the younger
helping the elders-all made for the streets
rs if their only chance of safety depended
on their being able to reach the open air.
The general opinion prevailing was that
Rome had been visited by an earthquake
shock and that second shock
might reduce the city to ruins.
Many fell upon their knees and prayed
aloud. Finally, when something like order
was restored, the real cause of the explosion
became known. 1t was discovered that the
immense powder magazine at Pozze Panta-
loe, four kilometers from here, had ex-
ploded. and that it had caused enormous
damage to the neighboring fort, which was
filled with soldiers. Reports of the affair
the officer in command of the fort heard
rumbling sound previous to the final ex-
plosion and hastily ordered the soldiers to
leave the fort. He succeeded in avoiding
terrible disaster. AS it was, several peas
aqts ~ who were in the vicinity Of the scene
number of others were moro or
less injured. As this dispatch is
sent King Humbert and his mill
tary staff, accompanied by the Italian
premier. the Marquis di Rudlni, and by all
members of the Italian cabinet, have left
Atuuld the ruins uf the powder n1apazine
and fort Gordon of troops has been drawn
in order to keep back the crowds of people
who, now that cause of the explosion
10 known, have f1ocked to Pozze Pantaloe.
All houses within the radius of one kilo-
meter of the scene of the explosion are
seriously damaged. The exact number of
the killed and wounded is unknown. Two
officers are dangerously wounded and fully
125 civilians have been taken to different
hospitals suffering from wounds or bruises
caused by the explosion. King Humbert
used his own carriage to convey the wound
ed to the hospital.
The races which were to have been run
this afternoon are postponed on account of
the explosion. The vatican shook with the
rest of the Roman buildings when the force
OF the explosion was felt and several famous |
stained glass windows in the building were |
shattered. The full amount of damage is
not known at present. but the loss is severe
the interiors of many old palaces and |
churches having suffered to great extent |
The official report, made in the chamber
of deputies this afternoon, says seven per-
sons were killed and forty eight injured. |
About 200 persons in the city were slightly
hurt. There were 265 tons of powder in the |
magazine. The explosion was purely acc1-
dental, and rumors that it was of anarchist
origin are without foundation.