400 LIVES LOST

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1930, Page 5

400 LIVES LOST

OHIO PRISON FIRE

[United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.]

VANCOUVER, April 21

At Columbus, in the States -of Ohio U.S.A. a disaster has occurred at the prison. The. death roll js heavy. VANCOUVER, April 22.

A later message from C'olombus, Ohio, states that at least one hundred persons are reported killed in the penitentiary fire. Early in the evening the prison yard took on the aspect of a battlefield, with the heavily armed guards, but there is no indication of any attempts to escape. Prisoners immediately gave air with all the available fire apparatus.

The Warden removed seven hundred ocnvicts from the cells to which the fire was sweeping. Great crowds gathered outside the ivalls.

ONE HUNDRED MEN TRAPPED,

AWFUL RUSH OF FLAMES.

FEAR. OF LIBERATED CONVICTS

VANCOUVER, April 21

The penitentiary at Columbus, Ohio, comprised a score of cell blocks. The fire started in the okl parts on the west side of the structure, and tore through them fanned by a westerly gale, towards the newer dormitories in the eastern block.

The flames spread with awful rapidity, and almost before a general alarm was carried through the prison one hun_ tired men were burned to death.

The victim's were trapped in the oldest dormitory. Five hundred others were immediately liberated from the buildings and they ran into the prison yards where they were huddled and suffocated by dense smoke. Scenes of confusion, continued and as darkness was approaching, soldiers arrived to guard the six hundred prisoners who bad been drafted into the yard from the burning section while heavy guards were placed at the gates lest the loose convicts might make a break for liberty or be driven insane.

VANCOUVER, April 21

The latest news is that 305 bodies of convicts who were trapped in their cells have been counted. The Warden fears that the toll will be far greater since the dead and dying are on all sides, while there are convicts .screaming in flames.

The convicts have continued to make no attempt to escape.

All of them who are able are cooperating with the rescue workers. The fire is believed to have been got under control, and the majority of the victims have apparently died on account.bf dense smoke.

the police men and firemen stated the United States’ troops are working their utmost to aid the guards and convicts in rescuing the victims and there are doctors working valiantly amid scenes of utter confusion. ■

DEATH ROLL

MOUNTING UP,

VANCOUVER, April 21

Regarding tire Penitentiary fire the latest figures as to the death roll show that the bodies of three hundred and sixty-three convicts have been recovered. Many victims were burned beyond identification and the bodies lay stretched, row upon row, across the water soaked court yard. The Ohio Penitentiary later death list will porbably top four hundred.