The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-12-25

seph Pace. both legs broken; F.. Finnegan, both
legs broken; James Cowen, both legs broken:
William Metzgar, both legs broken, and skull
fractured, may die; james Coughlan, both legs
broken; T.. G. Parker, Milwaukee, both legs
broken; All. f. TIotchskif, knee fractured; T.:
Ozier, engineer, both legs broken: Fl. George,
New York, both legs broken; +. Cranheld en-.
cinnati, both legs broken, ribs fractured; Walter
Powers, st. Louis, arm broken; Eugene Daily.
both legs broken: Thomas Phelan, cut abouS
body; G. IL. Donnelly, Chicago arm and knee
broken, may die; w. s. McInerny, Louisville. in
ternal injuries, may die; Henry Lindsey. New
York, legs bruised; J. c. Crawford, Cincinnati,
leg and wrist broken Twelve others sustained
bruises and slight injuries. H. g.. III
! The police have held Ben Murray on a
charge of being responsible for the disas-
ter through the careless handling OF gaso-
lene. = .z-r ...EE iii, :.
The bank roll Of the poo1room, consist
ing Of s55, 900, was blown away in the ex-
plosion, but the greater part OF IL mas
been recovered. --..-.. r ..-..- Ii,
At the time Of the explosion the pool
room was crowded with more than 100
persons. Just as a race at New Orleans
was being called the floor Of the building
seemed to rise, and in instant the re-
port that shook the entire block rang out.
The upper floor and back walls of the
building fell on the mass Of struggling
men, who were wildly endeaVorlng to eS-
cape to the street.
The house stands on Central avenue, in
the heart of the city. When the explo-
sion occurred the poolroom was crowded
with people, and all went down In a mass
of wreckage. R. G. Chambers, one Of the
proprietors of the club, had both legs and
both wrists broken. The bones were set
last night, and it is believed he will re
cover &c. Burch of Chicago sustained a
broken leg and is seriously injured.
Benjamin Murray, the driver Of a gaso-
lene tank wagon, who was arrested
charged with criminal negligence, made q
statement this morning. He says he
made a connection from his wagon to the
gasolene tank in the cellar under the pool
room. Upon entering the cellar he found
twenty or thirty gallons of gasolene over
flowed in a large pool on the floor. Fear.
ing an explosion, he ran to an open win.
dow and climbed out. He says the dool
was then opened by a negro porter, anc
the gases coming into contact with lighted
cigars Ill the poolroom. ignited, and the
explosion followed. Murray was blowr
against the side Of the cellar, but escaped
with slight injury
The large staff of physicians of the city
| have volunteered their services and arr
looking after the wants OF turlalt.
victims. Charles Walker, the partner O
Mr.. Chambers, stated to-day that tn,
wrecked portion of the building will b,
rebuilt at once. He. with several employ
| es, was on the second floor when the ex
| plosion occurred, but all escaped to tn,
street in safety.
Later.-Two men are dead, Helwig ant
Kenny. -Four more are likely to die. The.
are C.. r. Donnelly, Chicago; William
Metzger, 16 years old, Hot Springs; Thos
Ozier, engineer Arlington Hotel, Ho
Springs, and w. S. McInerney, Louisville
Ky. 81 3
William Helwig was a resident of ST
| Paul unit. ten or twelve years ago.