Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-05
EXPLOSION, CAUSES DEATH
TWO BROTHERS FATALLY INJURED
LAST NIGHT.
Two Other Men Seriously Burned
Coroner Regards an Inquest
Unnecessary.

An explosion of gasoline occurred in the
cleaning and dyeing establishment of Mrs.
Christina Haldeman, No. 1873 Pennsylva-
MIA avenue northwest. about O o'clock
last evening, resulting in the serious injury
of four men. one OF them. Samuel +. Hal
deman dying at the Emergency Hospital
about $50 o'clock this morning. and his
brother, Franklin Haldeman. dying at his
home. No 1ol7 10th trees, at 2;3O o clock this
afternoon. Gilbert Tolson. a clerk in
the establishment. and Frank Baker. a
colored porter. were seriously burned. Toll
sor Is under treatment at the Emergency
Hospital. Baker, who was burned only
about the arms. was able to return to work
after his injuries had been dressed.
The several men named were about fin
ishing their days work and were preparing
to close the establishment when the explo-
sion occurred. A large quantity of gaso-
line is used in connection with the work Of
cleaning clothing, the fluid being kept in
building In the rear OF the main structure.
One tank In the building. it is stated, holds
more than fifty gallons of the fluid but
fortunately this tank did not figure in the
explosion. Clothing intended to be cleaned
is put in gasoline that has been heated, il
is stated. and then they are wrung by
hand. The fluid so used is returned to the
storage tank. When the garments are re-
lteved OF dirt and grease in this way they
are put through another process before
day the Haldeman brothers were wiring
ing garments and the clerk and porter
were near them when the crash came.
Cause Not known.
In just what manner the explosion was
caused is not known. but it is believed the
fumes OF the gasoline were ignited by the
heat from the furnace. The explosion
came SO suddenly that the men had no
warning, and were unable to save them
selves from the flames. Many people on
the street and in the neighboring build
ings heard the loud report. and hurried to
the scene of the fire. The two sons Of the
proprietress were taken from the building
and carried to store in the neighborhood
to await the arrival of physician and
ambulance. DR.. Charles E. Hagner. who
was near the scene of the explosion, rem
dered temporary aid to Samuel l.. Halde-
man and advised his immediate removal to
a hospital. His injuries were such that the
physician thought he could live but few
hours at the most.
Samuel Haldeman and Tolson were taken
to the hospital together, and Drs Bragonier
and Stuart took charge of them. Halde-
mans burns. it was believed, were neces-
sarly fatal. He was burned about the
head, face arms and body. while Tolson's
face and arms were badly scorched. Frank
lin Trademarks injuries were somewhat
similar to those received by his brother.
Samuel Haldeman was twenty-three
years old and was married. having one
child. He had been associated with his
brother. who was also married, since the
death of their father. several years ago.
Coroner hewitt viewed the body of Samuel
this morning and made an investigation of
the circumstances attending the fatal acct
dent. He deemed an inquest unnecessary
and gave certificate of accidental death.
The body was removed from the hospital
to Gawler's undertaking establishment this
morning to be prepared for burial.
The funerals will take place from their
mothers home, 1913 Pennsylvania avenue
mort Invest