The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-17
ST. VINCENT SHOSPITAL
AFIRE AND WOMAN IN
PANIC JUMPS TO DOOM
W,zdest Frenzy Reigns When, Deb,1Oed of Ptotec-
hou, BY Similar Danger EAe7Uhere Patients
Are Trapped in Burning Building
MISS LEAHY THE SOLE VICTIM
Sister Superior VIII Probably Die Of Exposure--
Hundreds Succored by Heroes, VAo Toll
During Scenes Of Terrible Confusion

While the flames were still encompassing
the Occidental Hotel, and the entire fire
department Of the city were on the scene.
fire broke out at the St Vincent Hospital.
southeast corner of Delaware and South
streets. The alarm was turned in at 2:SO
O'Clock, but before the fire department
could dispatch one part of its force to the
scene the hospital was in flames and filled
with dense smoke.
Before the fire could be quenched all of
the patients were moved from the beds in
the face of death while many ran, or were
carried. out into the cold night in their
thin clothing. and as a result may die
There were 124 patients in the hospital.
The Dead
HARRIET LEAHY, jumped from fifth
floor. instantly killed.
Seriously Injured
SISTER SUPERIOR STELLA. shock
which followed operation may cause death.
MISS KATE BEACH. may die. rescued
from perilous position in hospital tower
SISTER NoRDICA, aged eighty-four, in
serious condition from shock.
WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, a patient, suf-
fering from shock
HENRY NICHOLS, Connersville in pre-
carious condition from operation yesterday
and suffering from shock.
Up to an early hour this morning but one
death had occurred. Harriet Leahy jumped
from a rear window on the fifth floor to
the alley below and was instantly killed.
From the excitement and general removal
of patients from the beds it is probable
several will die.
Terror reigned unrestricted in the hos
pital among the patients and the sisters.
From the upper windows great clouds of
smoke poured out over the forms of pa
tients leaning afar out and imploring in
heart-rendering cries for aid. The light
of flames somewhere in the building shown
out the windows and lighted up the white
clad forms From within came medley
of cries and shouts from the sick that
was terrible to hear.
SMOKE POURS FROM WINDOWS.
From every window smoke poured out in
white clouds, while within every room and
hall in the great hospital was filled with
the smoke The fire was in the basement.
where it started presumably from the
furnace but ii had secured such a start
that it was some time before the depart
ment could get it under control.
Almost fifteen minutes elapsed before
sufficient firemen were on the scene to
make progress with the fire. Little atten-
ton, however, was given the fire. as all
the men turned to getting the sick pa
tients out of the upper floors.
On the top floor, where the smoke seemed
to have centered, the firemen were unable
to stand the heavy pail From those win
dows patients leaning out choking for
breath cried pitifully for help.
The fire was discovered by Philip
Schneider, brother of William Schneider
who was being operated upon by the hos
pital physicians at the time Of the break
ing out of the fire. Schneider was pass
ing along the hall when he smelled smoke
diately gave the alarm.
Among those who will probably die from
the result of the shock is Sister Superior