Frightful Explosion at Glasgow.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3541, 1 May 1880, Page 2

Frightful Explosion at Glasgow.

On March sth a lamentable explosion occurred at Glasgow Ironworks, in the northern district of the city. It seems that there are fourteen puddling furnaces in operation within the works* and an upright boiler is placed between each two furnaces. No fewer than 70 persons were employed at. the puddling furnaces, and these men are the principal sufferers. Shortly after seven o'clock one of the I upright boilers exploded with such force that portions of it were thrown about eighty yards, and the iron root which covered it was also shattered. No sooner was the noise heard than a rush wa«_ made to the spot, and two medical n4|p were in immediate attendance. The bodies of two men were immediately found, aud it was said that another was buried in the rubbish. Thirty men had been wounded and were conveyed to the Royal Infirmary. Two of these died almost on admission ; one or two others' 1 are not expected to lire. All the boilers were under one massive iron roof, covered with slates and supported by strong pillars. The boilers which were 45 feet in height,: passed through the roof, and on either side was a tall chimney passing upward.. from each of the furnaces. The two furnaces adjoining the exploded boiler were smashed to atoms, and pieces of machinery were twisted and torn to ribbons. So great was the destruction, and so fearful were those in charge as to the safety of the buildings yet standing, that it was found advisable, after remoTing the injured men, to delay further search till the morning. The extent of - the calamity increases as time passes. From the first no hope was entertained of the recovery of those who had been more seriously injured. v The actual result, however, has been of an appalling character.; Of the thirty-two sufferers who were conveyed to the Royal Infirmary twenty-three have now died, and it it feared that the changes of saving one or. two of the others are very slight.