Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1891-05-02
GREAT CRASH IN ROME.
Tho Vatican o-a nthe~ bio pnila.
ingS Shaken.

Hundreds of Houses Crack and Collapse
An Explosion of Tons of Powder
Mistaken for an Earthquake.
About seven o'clock the other morning
tremendous explosion shook the city Of Rome
to its foundation, spreading terror and dismay
on all sides. The people rushed atfrighted
from their homes into the streets. houses
rocked, pictures fell from the walls, thousands
of pains Of glass were broken everywhere,
Orockery was shattered, furniture was over.
turned, chimneys crashed down upon the
roofs, and, in some instances, toppled over
into the streets below. The cupola of the
Houses of Parliament, Immediately after the
explosion shook violently, and then collapsed
with q crash, which added still further to the
feeling Of horror which had spread through
Rome.
The scenes in the streets and in the houses
after this fearful explosion have, possibly
never before been equaled IN dramatic effect
during the history OF modern Rome. All the
thoroughiares we're strewn with bricks. stones,
splinters and other debris, hurled there by
the force of the powerful conclusion which had
caused Rome 20 totter ON It's foundations.
People of all ages and conditions were rush.
to seek consolation from others, who were rs
thoroughly terrified as themselves. In the
houses doors, windows and cupbOarls were
burst open, and the tables chairs and other
pieces Of furniture were thrown crashing TO
the floor. Rents and cracks appeared in the
walls, the plaster fell from the ceilings, and
general dissolution prevailed. In many in
stances people were jerked from their beds Ivy
the shock which caused 80 much alarm. and
cries Of terror filled the air rs thousands Of
families rushed ont into the streets. Many Vt
them left their homes in their n ght dresses
and in other states Of undress. Parents, with
their children in their arms, children leading
aged parents, the younger helping the elders
ali made for the streets as ii their only
chance Of safety depended upon their being
able to reach the open air.
The general opinion that prevailed wns that
Rome had been visited by an earthquake
shock, and that a second shock might reduce
the city TO ruins. Many fell upon their knees
and prayed aloud.
Finally, when something like order had been
restored, the real cause Of the explosion be-
came known. II was discovered that the
immense powder magazine al Pozzo Pantaleo.
four kilometres from Rome. had exploded
and that il had caused enormous damage 10
the neighboring fort, which was filled with
soldiers.
Seven persons were Killed, two officers were
dangerously wounded and fully one hundred
and twenty civilians have been taken 10 the
different hospitals suffering from wounds or
bruises caused by the explosion.
The shock which caused Rome 10 tremble
did not spare the Vatican. That veierated
pile shook with the rest Of the R0mnn build.
ings when the force of the explosion was felt,
and several Of the famous historical stained.
glass windows in the ancient Raphael chambers
and the stained glass in the royal staircase,
presented to Pope Plus X, by the King VI
Bavaria, were broken.
Naturally, she full amount Of damage done
is no. known at present and possibly, may
never be known, but accounts agree that the
loss is very severe, the interiors Of many Of
the old palaces and churches having suffered
10 a greater or lesser extent.
There was 265 tons Of powder in the maya.
zine but none Of the new explosive, balestite.
was stored there.