Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 January 1890 — BURNED TO DEATH. [ARTICLE]

BURNED TO DEATH.

Fatal Accident at the Illinois Steel Com* pany’s Works. Chicago dispatch: Blast furnace No. 4, in operation at the Illinois Steel company’s works at South Chicago, burst during working hours, resulting in tho death of one man, the serious Injury of four others and more or less serrous serious Injuries of half a dozen. The shift of men that had been working all day had “drawn off” the furnace but a short time before, but the metal clogging in tho center of the furnace prevented it from working with Its customary freedom. The men wore ordered to clear tht furnace of the hanging mass and were busy at work when without anv warning the mass of molten metal and slag parted in the center and fell to the bottom. The. heavy weight fell but a short distance, but it was enough to tear the sides from the furnace, and tho metal, heated to an Intense degree, flushing out, enveloped the workmen in tho vicinity. As soon as those who were able could do so they hastened to the assistance of those who were buried beneath the debris. It was found that Edward Johnson, married, 50 years old. was the only person fatally Injured. He was terribly burned externally and badly Injured Internally. He was placed in a patrol wagon, but died on the way to his home. Six others who were injured are: John Johnson, unmarried, burned about the face and body. Frank Brink, unmarried, leg broken, face and body burned. Joseph Leonard, married, head and body burned. John Crapp, unmarried, Jog broken and body burned. Frank Doherty, married, cut on the face and body. Frank Connors, married, cut on the head and scalded. Edward Johnson was the father of John Johnson, one of the injured. Many others were slightly hurt. The amount of the damage will not exceed $1,200 and work will be delayed but a short time. Another version of the cause of tho accident is that water came in contact with the hot iron. The officials are reticent concerning the cause of the accident and will say very little about it.