MELBOURNE DISASTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1925, Page 2

MELBOURNE DISASTER.

BIG DFILDLNG FALLS.

AUBTBALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION

.MELBOURNE, April 2d

With a roar like thunder, the upper parts of a seven-storeyed building in course of erection in Swanston Street in the cil.v, collapsed shortly before knocking oil time yesterday. A latge number of workmen who were engaged upon it were overwhelmed. Four of ihe men were deatl when extricated, and fifteen were injured. The building is being erected lor the British-Australian Tobacco Company. The Fire Brigade was first on Hie scene, and escape ladders were run up against the still quivering walls. The firemen rescued those who could lie seen, while the workmen math.' a feverish search for those of their mates who were buried. Two bodies had been recovered by six c’clnc k. and another shortly after.

At eight o’clock the architect examined the standing walls, and he reported that there was imminent danger of the- Hour, illicit which the rescuers were at work, collapsing, but it was only after much argument, and when it was pointed out that, the unfortunate remaining matt was dead, and that loit\ nlher lives would he in momentary i fit tiger, that the men would agree to leave off the search till daybreak. Little warning ol tie collapse was giii'ii. On the fourth floor, third floor ami on the roof, there were dozens ol l-iliimrct's, carpenters, whitewnshers and painter:*. The pay-envelopes were being passed round, when suddenly there was heard a slow, grinding sound, ami the saw the wall bulging outward, and then contracting again, alter which it fell like a sheet in the wind. \ vu -h fill- the exit s followed. 'llu.se w!,o n.siied to the front "ere lucky, while those who hacked were mostly caught. The wall collaoscd like a concertina. The other walls then folded in, anti ihe ceiling fell in a shower of debris. Giant concrete pillars gave way under Hu.' strains of falling concrete, much of which pierced the fourth Hour. Large crowds, which quit klv gathered, hampered the work of the ambulances and the police, ami a special squad was rushed to the scene to proven. people from entering the budding. After the workmen left. another S(t .„, ts I.v a small party and the remaining I was recovered at t, ~ ..•clock.

The names of llm-e dead arc Geotge Marshall, aged 48, whitewashing contractor. of Kitzroy ; Reginald Shaw, aged 22, of Carlton ; Victor Ingham, aged 35. of Northcote ; and Edgar Lvdiard. aged 40, of Brunswick. 'I ho first three men were married. Little is known at present regarding Lydtard. AIKLP.IIURNhY April 20.

’Hie experts are mystified as to the cause of the collapse of the Tobacco Company's building. It was to have been finished in the next, two months. Sensational disclosures are expected at the inquest bit the victims.