TUBE FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1929, Page 3

TUBE FIRE

NEW YORK, Fell. Hi. The fire in the New A’ork tube train last evening, which resulted in injury to a large number of passengers struggling to escape, is believed to have been caused by ignited grease and oil on tbe track. ’■ The lire, spreading 1091't. - between the rails, short-circuited the train, which was filled with rush-hour passengers, as ; it prepared to speed beneath the Hudson River. The flames leaped around and under parts of several cars, which filled with smoke as the 900 passengers rose in alarm to learn the cause rtf the sudden stoppage. An hysterical rush began, but Hie stentorian voice of the driver urging that there was no need for alarm subdued what threatened to be a repetition of the recent tube accident when 20 people' lost their lives. 2,000 IMPRISONED. Meanwhile three other trains were "slopped behind, causing more than 2,000 people to ho imprisoned in the tunnel, not knowing the cause ol their delay or when their distress would he alleviated. AYith the arrival <tf police reserves and firemen the passengers were allowed to leave the trains and make their way in smoke and darkness to the nearest station. In the meantime the firemen had the outbreak under control... Many women fainted and bad to be carried to ambiii." ances. Others lost their valuable ,I'ur coats, which they had removed when the cars, standing above the ilames, became overheated. HYSTERICAL WOMEN. Describing the scene one passenger said: “We were like a lot oi rats.in a lethal chamber. There was a sudden I,finding Hash followed, hv clouds ol smoke, which were made worse when people began to open tbe windows, women became hysterical and crowds surged to and fro in the- cars seekim the exits. The heat was terrific,,, and inanv men and women began doifing t-lieir coats and hats.”

Other passengers said that a panic was averted by cries of “bod will save you ” and “ Keep calm,” which sounded up and down the trains. The lot.nl uumher of injured is estimated at 2o().