AWFUL EXPLOSION

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1933, Page 6

AWFUL EXPLOSION

FURTHER DRAMATIC DETAILS.

CASUALTIES AND WRECKAGE.

(United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received,this day at 12.5 p.m.) LONDON* February 12. The bodies of twenty men, twentyfive women and twelve children lie in the mortuaries at four of the Neunkirchen hospitals, awaiting Tuesday's obsequies in the. presence of von Papen. The death roll will be swelled when the Saarbrueken Stras-se is cleared. Tearful groups cluster at the barrier* which prevent unauthorised entry to the devastated ereas where in--1 vestigation was- temporarily suspended since further, rescues are hopeless, though grieving women are searching in nightmare fashion among the ruins of former homes of eight hundred people whence protrude fragments of furniture, and broken toys. Several families arc repairing their damaged dwellings with the object of resuming domicile,. Some of those rushing from houses, after the first explosion were...killed or mutilated by the second. One- woman’s legs were blown off. A motor car was hurled through air for many yards, the- occupants being killed: Ten of the reduced staff of twentytwo working at • the by-product, plant lost their lives. The wreckage which is l still a burn- * ing;,, furnace. The steelworks are little damaged find will not'he closed hut the reconstruction of the entire plant will occupy a year rendering many workless. The removal of the debris Hone will take weeks. A priest endeavouring to deliver a sermon in a crowded church, broke down, and was unable to preach.