FOUR SHOPS WRECKED.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 771, 21 March 1910, Page 7

FOUR SHOPS WRECKED.

MYSTERIOUS EXPLOSION, THREE PERSONS SEVERELY HURT SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. By Telegraph—Preso Association— Copyright (Rec. March 19, 5.50 p.m.) Melbourne, March 19. A mysterious explosion resulting in the destruction of four shops took place at Brunswick Street, one of the leading thoroughfares of Fitzroy, a suburb of Melbourne. Eleven persons were residing in the wrecked premises at the time of the occurrence. A man named Crabtree, a grocer, was soriously injured. He was discovered buried in the debris. A Mrs. Sneddon and her daughter were severely hurt. The explosion was accompanied by a vast sheet of flame, which is supposed to be attributable to gas, but the details at present available are meagre. A CONFESSION. (Rec. March 20, 5 p.m.) Melbourne; March 20. ' The four shops were almost demolished by the 1 explosion.

A man named Shaw has made, a confession to the police, alleging that recently Crabtree effected an insuranco on his stock, and removed about £400 worth. Shavings were carted .to the place in large quantity, and he and Crabtree- on Friday night saturated these with, methylated' spirits and benzine. It was arranged that when the plaoe was well alight, Shaw should jump from the verandah and give the alarm, but the scheme miscarried;, and when Crabtree struck a light a violent explosion followed. Shaw knew no more. ' OTHER BUILDINGS DAMAGED. " (Rec. March 21, 040 a.m.) Melbourne, March 20. The explosion damaged 47 other buildings, the majority slightly.. On both sides of the street all the windows for a long distance were shattered.;