CANTON BOMBED

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20511, 30 May 1938, Page 5

CANTON BOMBED

DEATH-ROLL OF 600 SEVERAL STREETS DEMOLISHED SCENE OF TERRIBLE CONFUSION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) CANTON, May 28 The city of Canton is staggering under an intense’ aerial bombing, which was begun at 11.15 a.m. By noon 100 bombs had been dropped from groups of Japanese aeroplanes on the city and across the river. Eleven of the aeroplanes dropped bombs in the vicinity of the Wongsha railway station—a thickly populated district near Shameen, the foreign settlement in the middle of the’ river. It Is estimated that the total number of people killed was 600, and those injured 900. Two streets adjacent to the Wongsha station were demolished. Rescuers are still engaged in removing victims from the wreckage. During the raid there was a scene of terrible confusion, thousands of panic-stricken people trying to cross to the settlement whe’re guards prevented their entrance. Most of them took refuge on the waterfront, consequently the’ carnage was less than was feared. The raiders returned at i.is p.m., after which fires raged in the densely populated areas of Saikwan and Wongsha, both of which are pitted with immense craters. Further Raids In the second raid 40 rescue workers were killed and 50 were wounded. Wongsha was bombed four times, and 100 houses were destroyed. Bombs fell near the public hospital, which Js for from the military establishments. On the other hand, an official Japanese account from Tokio states forty aeroplanes effectively bombed thp Canton railways ar.d military establishments.