Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 September 1897 — SIX PERSONS ARE KILLED. [ARTICLE]

SIX PERSONS ARE KILLED.

Terrible Explosion of Nitroglycerin at Cygnet, Ohio. A terrible explosion of nitroglycerin occurred at Cygnet, Ohio, whieh resulted in the death of at least six persons. The explosion occurred at .Grant well, located at the rear of the National Supply Company’s office building, in the village limits. This well had just been shot by Samuel Barber, the shooter for the Ohio and Indiana Torpedo Company. The well was a gasser, and when the 120 quarts of glycerin let down into the well exploded the gas ignited, and with a terrific roar the flames shot high above the derrick. As soon as the drillers sSiw the flames several elimbed into the derrick to cut off the gas, but they had hardly gotten there when there was a terrific explosion. The burning gas had started the remaining glycerin in the empty cans rtanding in a wagon near the derrick. In another wagon near by were some cans containing another 120 quarts of the stuff, and this was started by the force of the first explosion. The second was blended with the first in a mighty roar and the town and surrounding country for many miles trembled from the shock. Eight buildings are a total wreck and many others damaged. The town has a population of about 1,200. Many bystanders were wounded.