DISASTER IN SPAIN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2579, 9 November 1893, Page 1

DISASTER IN SPAIN.

Madrid, Nov. 5

Particulars of the disaster at Santander reveal enormous loss of life. Thousands of residents of the town were standing on the quay watching the burning steamer. They were quite unaware that there was any dynamite aboard, and when the explosion came it blew the entire quay into the air. Over 300 people were killed, including 27 of the Civic Guard, and the whole of the police force except two. An enormous number were wounded, and many are missing. The town is in a complete panic and fires are spreading on all sides. Many of those injured are dying for want of medical aid. Nov. 6. Awful accounts continue to come to hand of the slaughler at Santander. The death roll is continually being added to, and it is believed that the list will reach to a thousand. A launch belonging to a man-of-war, with 40 officers and seamen, was alongside the vessel trying to extinguish the fire. They were all blown sky high. Fires are still raging in the town. Fragments of the burning vessel at Santander were blown over the city, and about 100 houses tookfire simultaneously. The shipping suffered severely from the effects of the explosion, and 100 small crafts were lost. The cargo of the vessel which took fire at Santander included a quantity of petroleum and iron bars, and 1000 cases of contraband dynamite. The captain declared he had only 20 cases, which were landed. The explosion took place while the vessel was being towed outside the harbor. Tons of iron and a steamer’s frame were projected through the air, and fifty sailors on board were blown to pieces. Those who were watching the fire from shore wore also blown to pieces, and human flesh descended cn a large area. Owing to the extinction of the police, the fire in Santander continues unabated.