PANIC IN TUNNEL

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1930, Page 6

PANIC IN TUNNEL

NEW YORK, December .21

A burning cable insulation that gave off clouds of acrid smoke like poison gas caused a stampede among some 1,000 passengers in a train in one of the tunnels under the East River during tlie morning rush hour. Thirty people were taken to hospital and nearly 50 more received first aid for cuts, bruises, and smoke poisoning. The accident occurred half-way through the tunnel, where; the water bv constant dripping from tbe roof bad worn through the insultation on tbe third-rail conduit.- When tbe train approached there was a short circuit and a sudden blaze.

The conductors shouted “Keep cool.” and tried vainly to quieten the stampeding. passengers, who were packed like sardines. People began to push, jostle, and finally trample each other clown. Others in their excitement broke tbe windows with their fists and thus let in tbe smoke.

Fortunately the power was quickly turned off' and tbe passengers were able to make their way, coughing and weeping, out of the darkness of the tunnel.