HANKOW DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 241, 16 October 1906, Page 5

HANKOW DISASTER.

AWFyL LOSS OF LIFE.

HUNDREDS BURNT TO DEATH(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) EONGKONG, October 15. Later news shews that tke loss of the Hankow entailed even far more terrible consequences than were at first reported. The vessel had 2000 Chinese and seven European passengers aboard. Her cargo consisted of matting and raw silk. She had just berthed, and in a few minutes was ablaze fore and aft. It was impossible to get the hose to work, as the firefloats had been damaged m the recent typhoon. The European passengers aboard the steamer were awakened by the alarm of fire. They immediately left their bunks and rushed down the gangways. The ladies escaped in their nightdresses. jLiie members of the crew were able to get off the ship in time, but it was impossible to save the steerage passengers. Owing to the inflammable nature of thf* cargo, the fire sprcadwith astonishing rapidity, and soon cut off the ways of escape. The scene was a terrible one. The Chinese imprisoned in the steerage shrieked and called piteously for help, and no help could be given them. Besides hundreds of Chinese who were burned to death, many jumped overboard and were drowned. The warships in the harbour, including the cruiser Flora (4360 tons), and other vessels, sent assistance and rescued a number. The outbreak of fire is attributed to incendiarism, arising out of the boycott of British river boats. The Hankow is a total loss.