The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1902-12-04
TERRIBLE EXPLOSION
Thirteen Persons Killed and a Number
Seriously Injured.
BOILERS HURLED THROUGH ROOF.
Swift & Co.'S Establishment In Chicago Wreck
ed-Adiolning Structures Torn and Twisted
by the Force Of the EspIosiou--Th En-
pIoyee Whose careIessness Caused the
Disaster Also Perisbed.

Chicago (SpeciaD With a deaien-
ing report a boiler in Swift & Co
plant exploded shortly after 10 o'clock
a. IN. Thirteen lives were sacrificed
and scores of employees, visitors and
others we're injured. Huge boilers were
sent though the roof OF the structure
and hurled hundreds OF feet. Nobody
within the boiler-room survived to tell
the story OF the accident, and it may
never be known what caused the eXplo-
sion. A careful investigation, how
ever, convinced the experts that the
explosion was the result OF carclcSsness
on the part OF an employc, whose own
lie also was sacrificed.
Five minutes after the explosion
nothing OF the building but pile OF
twisted iron, bricks and mortar re-
manned.
Sheets OF flame sprang iron the
ruins, and the spectators realized that
II would be impossible TO save the lives
OF those who were caught in the wreck.
The explosion was OF such force that
adjoining buildings were wrecked, torn
and twisted like toys. Men women and
boys at work in adjoining departments
we're hurled through windows TO the
ground below. Many OF them escaped
with but slight bruises. but most OF the
victims were hurt TO such an extent
that IT was necessary to remove them
TO hospitals. Others were taken to
their homes.
1t was rumored that from so to 100
l., tras 81, a~l--
ed building. This report caused great
excitement. and repeated calls were
sent for police and ambuances. a
dozen patrol wagons and as many am
balances were sent from all parts OF
the city Extra calls for fire engines
followed. and soon the flames were be-
ing fought from every side While the
FIRE was still burning police, hremen
and employees OF the packing firm be-
gan digging in the ruins Soon the
mangled remains OF a man were diScov-
cred. At the same time other rescuers
were digging with desperation to res
cue several victims who were still alive.
Bodies torn. bruised or mangled were
taken from the ruins and sent to the
morgues. A boy, scalded from head to
loot and bleeding from cuts and bruises
staggered toward the Office OF General
Superintendent c. O. Young. He was
Mr.. Young's personal messenger. The
lad, however. had been so badly dis
figured that Mr.. Young did not rccog-
nizc him.
Many theories were advanced as to
the responsibility for the disaster. One
inspector declared that the explosion
had been caused by cold water injected
into the boiler. but majority OF the
investigators held the opirion that the
catastrophe had been caused by low
water Nothing definite was learned,
however, and as all the men in the boil
eT room were killed. it is not likely
the cause OF the accident will ever be
known.
1t is not thought that the loss TO
Swift & Co. will amount to more than
$4,000. Officers OF the company de-
clare that this will cover the damage
as nearly as they are capable to esti-
mate it at the present time. The build
ing in which the boilers we're located
was the only structure TO be entirely
destroyed and it was a small brick
building, one story high. The store
house, which stood close to the boiler
house, was badly damaged. a portion OF
its walls being torn down, but it is only
two stories high. With the exception
of the demolished boilerhouse there is
no damage that cannot be repaired
within 10 days.