Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 February 1912 — Carroll County Home Ruined By Acetylent Plant Explosion. [ARTICLE]

Carroll County Home Ruined By Acetylent Plant Explosion.

The residence of John W. Kerlin one of the commissioners of Carroll county, at Rockfield, a small town six miles east of Delphi, was wrecked by an explosion of ecetylene gas Thursday morning at 9 o’clock., and Mrs. Kerlin and her mother, Mrs. Minerva McDowell, were seriously, perhaps fatally injured. Fire followed the explosion and the house, a modern twostory structure, the best in Rockfield, was completely destroyed. The house was lighted by acetylene gas and Mr. Kerlin went Into the basement to recharge the tank. The chain broke and he shouted to his wife, who was on the first floor, to get out of the house as soon as possible. Mrs. Kerlin’s mother, Mrs. McDowell, was upstairs, and she waited to warn her. Mrs. McDowell started down stairs and had reached the first landing when the explosion came. The force of the explosion was upward and Mr. Kerlin was o/ily slightly injured. The side of the house was blown out and John Flora, who occupied the adjoining house, saw Mrs. McDowell standing on the stair landing. The next moment the landing gave way and Mrs. McDowell was precipitated into the basement, which was full of fire. Mrs. Flora hurried to her assistance and found in the debris of the house with her hair and clothing on fire. He smothered the flames and carried her to the home of Mrs. C W. Wright. Mrs. McDowell waSy cut about the head, Was badly bruised and sustained painful burns. Mrs. Kerlin was precipitated into the basement about the same time that her mother fell, but fell on the opposite side of the house. She was rescued by her ried to the home of Mrs. Amanda Stewart. Her right leg was broken in three places, her left leg was fractured and her left arm was broken It is believed that her injuries will prove fatal. The bouse was completely destroyed by the fire that followed the explosion, but past of the furniture wac saved.' A son and daughter of Mr and Mrs. Kerlin were away from home when the explosion took place. The noise was heard for blocks and the concussion shook neighboring homes. It was not long before the entire population of the village was gathered at the scene.

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