Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 June 1906 — FATAL EXPLOSION ON SHIP. [ARTICLE]

FATAL EXPLOSION ON SHIP.

Infernal Machine Soapected to H«T« Been the Cause. Nine men were killed and about forty Injured by a terrific explosion Thursday on the British steamer Haverford of the International Navigation Company. It Is suspected that an lufcrual machine was the cause, although a barrel of naphtha may hare [ Mown tap, —- The vessel, commanded by - Captain Nielsen, arrived at Liverpool from Phi la dolphin; landed her passengers and proceeded to Husklsson Dock to unload. The stevedores were loosening the hatches when suddenly a violent blast occurred. It blew off the hatches, rent the decks and burled dead and xvouhddd men in ail directions. „ Tho explosion, which was heard for many blocks, was followed by lire. Thu* cargo, consisting of linseed oil cako In hold No.' 2 and hold No. 3, soou Was blazing lier’cely.” “Flreuicn and police hurried to the spot and the injured were taken to a neighboring liospitaL I The tire soon assumed alarming propoT- | tions, .owing to. the Inflammable nature !of the cargo. After two hours’ hard fighting, however, the firemen obtained thy imistorr i.f the flames. The refiort that tlie explosion wms caused by an infernal machine arose from the finding of a wooden box u foot square in one of the holds. This box, which was only partly, sliattercd, still contained pieces of steel machinery. It was prominently marked “For Manchester. England.” The officials of | the International Navigation Company say tliey believe the explosion was due to ignition of gas given off by naphtha 60. ip, wldeh Conned part of the cargo. Outwardly little harm has been done to the Vessel beyond the rents in tlie deck, but Inside ..tlie damage is extensive.