Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-04-21
THE FIRE FIEND.
Steamer City Of Pittsburg
Burned--0ver 60 Missing.
Two Fatalities and $350,0O0 Loss
in DaIlax, Tex, Fire.
SIXTY Poor Families Lose Homes at
Kansas City. /.

| caro-, Ill, April 20.-The sidewheeI
steamer City of Pittsburg. from Gin
cinnati to Memphis, was burned to the
waters edge, early this morning, at
Turner's Landing. near Olmstead. Ill.
IL miles from Mound City, ILL.,, and "a
miles from this city. The early reports
stated that 50 lives were lost and that
many were badly burned and other
wise injured, but the list OF casualties
is not yet definitely determined.
Two boats and all available craft
from this city went to the scene for
relief. Efforts We're made to catch the
New South of the same line, at Padu-
cab. and have her steam back for re-
lief. but the steamer had passed Padu-
cab upward bound, before the telegram
was received.
Most of the passengers were still in
bed when Second Clerk Oliver Philips
gave the alarm. The engineers at once
started all the pumping engines. while
the crew brought all the hose into play.
Amid the streams Of water on all sides.
the flames from the lower deck and
dense clouds of smoke, the passengers
rushed from their state rooms and a
frightful panic ensued. The appeals of
the officers and crew could not appease
the terror-stricken crowds that inter
fered with those throwing water on the
flames. as well as those working with
the life boats. Few could adjust life
preservers or do anything for them
selves.
The smoke was sitting. Great clouds
floated through the blazing steamer,
choking the passengers and adding to
the terror. Children cried pitifully,
begging that they be saved.
Life boats were manned and every
effort was made to save the passengers
from the floating furnace OF flames.
From the river banks the sparks
from the burning craft, and the dense
clouds of smoke, tinged with flames,
made most impressive and weird
spectacle. Boats were sent from shore
to help in the work Of rescue. Boats,
laden to their limit with passengers in
the scant attire they We're able to
gather, were landed at the river banks.
AS fast as the boats could be emptied
they returned to the Inflated steamer,
the rescuers losing no time from their
work.
The burning steamer was quickly
were forced to jump from the stern and
try to swim ashore, but in the swift
current many were drowned Many
also persisted in the flames. Only one
yawl was saved, without oars, and the
women were taken off. About 20 or 30
were taken off in this boat The rest
were picked up out of the water. Help.
except from people living nearby, did
not arrive until 2.3O this afternoon.
and passengers, with only night clothes
and without food, suffered terribly.
Captain Phillips says 20 or % Of the
passengers are missing and the same
number of the crew. One woman pas
senger lost three children.
Patrick Burke of Owensboro. KY,
wife and six children, were all lost. The
body of a child, dressed in night
clothes. was taken from the river at
Mound City.
The fire was discovered at 4.05 A. NJ
There were 20 passengers and 20, all
told, in the crew.
The fire started in the forward lar
board hatch and burned fiercely, and
when the steamer ran ashore escapes
were made over the cabin railing.
Very few passengers or members of the
crew We're aware of the fire until it
was too late. The captain and clerk
late at night claim in all so persons
have been accounted for, leaving go
people lost or unaccounted for.
The steamer Maud Kilgore brought
the survivors to this city at p M.
and several societies OF the city rem
dered all assistance In the way OF
clothing, ETC.