12 now death toll from blast, article, transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-11-01).pdf

12 now death toll from blast, article, transcription (Tonawanda News, 1920-11-01).pdf

12 NOW DEATH TOLL FROM BLAST

Another victim of power house disaster succumbs to injuries; only one person in building at time of explosion still alive

Terrible Blast, Followed by Fire, Traps Power Company Employees in Flames and Results in Fatal Burns - Four Instantly Killed

(Photo of two power transformers, caption: "The disaster at the Tonawanda Power Company's substation on Robinson street early yesterday morning occurred when men were engaged in connecting up these transformers. They are 2500 Kva, General Electric Transformers.")

EIGHT OTHERS DIE AFTER REMOVAL TO DEGRAFF MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
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Explosion occurs when new transformers are started up - 
Lives of well-known men snuffed out
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The worst disaster known to have taken place in the Tonawandas occurred shortly before 3 o'clock yesterday morning when an explosion and fire in the high tension cable tower of the Niagara Falls Power Co., adjoining the Tonawanda Power Company's transformer station on Robinson street, snuffed out the lives of four men and burned eight others so badly that they have since died. Of the thirteen men who were in the building when the accident occurred, only one was still alive today. He is Samuel S. Derby, of №222 Niagara street, North Tonawanda.

The dead are:
Albert S. Allen, 47 years old, of 201 Bryant street, superintendent of the Tonawanda Power Company.
Ralph H. Allen, 41 years old, of 202 Falconer street, employed as an operator by the Tonawanda Power Company.
James Edward Yates, 52 years old, of 340 Payne avenue, employed as an electrician by the Tonawanda Power Company.
James H. Robertson, 39 years old, of 335 Robinson street, employed as an electrician by the Tonawanda Power Company.
Andy Anderson, 49 years old, of 404 Seventh street, Niagara Falls, N.Y., employed by the Niagara Falls Power Company as a cable splicer.
Charles M. Mabill, 48 years old, of 919 Niagara street, Niagara Falls, N.Y., superintendent of the Niagara Falls Power Company's underground cable.
William Ward, 48 years old, of 417 Division street, Newark, employed by the Tonawanda Power Company.
Walter Carr, 33 years old, of 824 Seventeenth street, Niagara Falls, N.Y., employed as a lineman by the Niagara Falls Power Company.
Albert R. Phelps, 43 years old, of 329 Sommer street, employed as assistant foreman by the Tonawanda Power Company.
Edwin D. Doel, 30 years old, of 506 Bryant street, employed as a lineman by the Tonawanda Power Company.
Edward Shamrock, 50 years old, of 777 Robinson street, employed as a lineman by the Tonawanda Power Company.
Charles Doell, 30 years old, of LaSalle, employed as an electrician by the Niagara Falls Power Company."
"Short Circuit Suspected. When asked this morning as to the cause of the explosion, B.F. Lee, general superintendent of the Niagara Falls Power company said:
"It is very difficult at this time to find the definite cause of the explosion and fire. The room in which the explosion occurred is completely demolished. However, we are making a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause. We are certain that there was a short circuit."
The general supposition is that an overheated transformer was responsible for the disaster.
Derby Has Fighting Chance. The men who were caught in the room and burned to death were Ralph Allen, Mabill, Carr and Ward. The last of the men to die in the hospital was Doel, who succumbed to his burns at 4 o'clock this morning. Derby, although terribly burned, has a fighting chance for his life."
"Dr. C.T. Crance, who is attending Derby, said this afternoon that the patient was holding his own. Arrangements were made to have Dr. Harry Trick of Buffalo, an expert on electrical burns, come here this afternoon for a consultation on Derby's condition.
The employees of the two power companies had assembled in the tower to look after the turning in of cables that were to be used in the operation of the Tonawanda Power Company's new transformers, just installed in the new building, erected at the rear of the old station, for the purpose of giving the company an output of 10,000 horsepower in addition to the same amount which it has been securing.
The power was shut off at the Niagara Falls Power Company's plant at 1 o'clock this morning, and the splicing and connecting of the cables in the tower. Two new measuring transformers had been installed in the tower to be used in metering the power to be converted to the transformers in the newly constructed part of the Tonawanda Power Company's station. The measuring instruments, like a number of the transformers in use in the company's station, were provided with oil coolers.
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Shortly before 3 o'clock the Niagara Falls Power Company was directed to turn on the current for the test on the cable connections. All power employees of Niagara Falls Power Company and the Tonawanda Power Company, those of the latter including all the men employed on the night shift at the plant, assembled in the tower, a brick structure about thirty feet in height and twenty-four square, located at the east side of the front of the company's old building and having an opening about ten feet wide and to a height, into the tower, built to witness the important event. The test was in progress seven minutes when a sizzling noise was detected coming from the transformer meter box. Orders were given to shut off the switch. Dewey started forward to throw the switch lever. As he was extending his hand toward the lever there was a terrific explosion followed instantly by the ignition of the oil which was used for cooling the apparatus. The flames from the explosion all of the men excepting Forthy and Tagel, who were blown through windows in the tower. The flames spread through the tower and into the adjoining room of the power station, setting fire to the woodwork in the brick structure. The gas developed from the burning oil rose up and ran away on the floor of the tower, causing a mass of fire and smoke. The stairway of the latter was enveloped in flames and the exit blocked in the west end of the building. Every window in the tower was blown out and the brick walls were bulged by the explosion.
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**Horrible Scene in Building.**
Persons who arrived a few seconds within a few minutes after the explosion said that the scene was too terrible for description. Men ran from the building with their hair and little of their clothes in flames. Dewey and several others showed no signs of life. Others staggered about the reserve of the explosion and heat of ignition with the tanks of the Niagara Falls Power house up and several in the tower, extinguished the flames in their clothing by rolling in the grass and dew of the morning.
With the idea that the clothing was thus soaked to the skin and that with ointments in the station? They rushed into the flaming doorway with their clothing afire, their shoes and hats burning and hair and beards white with the intense heat. They were helpless on the floor within in agony from the burns. The screams of the men were terrible. It seems a marvel to those who witnessed it that the men were able to stand up and try to put out the flames which all seemed to start at the same time on their bodies and heads. Many of them were bald. The gas? and burning oil covered the surface of the concrete wall.

**Aid Helpless Men.**
Shannon, who leaped from the building with his clothes in flames and ran to his home fully half a mile from the power station.
When the explosion took place, the men who were not blown through the windows or burned to death in the room, were near enough to the opening in the middle. It was remarked by more than one person present that the bursting out of the pipes and over them and some of them fell directly into the threads […] of the concrete floor. It was thought to be a veritable furnace of […]. What might have saved them had not been for several pipes which burst and looked more only about ten inches in diameter at intervals, but no one who saw them would have been able to say about inches separately.
The tank which stood near the focal explosion was in turn, the engine equipment and the burning oil caused a series of small explosions which set some wires a sizzle. The last explosion of the series set fire to some wooden supports of the flames.

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The immediacy of Dr. […] and by the surgical condition of the men admitted at once at this hour. […] is the transformer station. He's been seen to work on the men.
The burns were such that areas were a part of the underlying muscles and tissues, destroyed by the flames, and had to be cut away. […] was brought from Buffalo to Edward Memorial Hospital where the men are being taken care of and gives skin to apply on the men's burns. With the exception of Yates, the city physicians, assisted by Dr. J. W. Anderson, gave their time to the care of the men at the transformer station immediately after the explosion occurred, before the arrival of the physicians, and much credit is due to them for the efficient and speedy work they performed. The lights were out, with members of the local branch of the Red Cross having been called to the hospital about three in the afternoon and lent their assistance.
Nurses were called from Geneva, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls to help out at the hospital and in the care of bodies by the Morgue. Dr. Kincaid was there for the first twelve hours after the explosion. Dr. […] came to assist him during the night. At times it was thought that Singlenberger's effort would survive and recuperate. They had but little hope for the others.
**Rosebrock First To Die.**
Rosebrock was the first of the men to succumb. He died at the hospital near his home. He died at 7:30 o'clock yesterday morning. Only minutes before Anderson passed away, then Dewey died, and two hours later, Yates was the fourth man to die at the hospital. His death occurred at 5 o'clock. Allen died at 10 in the forenoon. He was followed at noon, an interval later, by that of Shannon. Robertson died at 4 o'clock in the evening. Last of the seven known physicians had hoped last night, died at 8 o'clock the morning.
It was two hours before the firemen arrived at the transformer station before the flames were extinguished. Pumps operated on a reserve of water for the time being. At 10 o'clock, the firemen returned from making a search only the flames and cinders. A wire was shut off from the transformer to electricity given over the telephone. This particular cut caught […] of the transformer. As […] current was shut off, the power was […]
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…[quidity] when the firemen arrived. To have turned a stream into the inferno would have tended to endanger more lives; it might have resulted in the entire destruction of the transmission station. When Chief Dovle[?] encountered Superintendent Allen, the latter said that he could not see but cautioned the firemen about their work.
The burning oil made it difficult to get the fire under control even after streams were turned onto the building. The oil ran riot, engulfing its human victims, and was inundated with water before the flames were finally subdued. The damage to the tower and contents is estimated at $20,000. The Tonawanda Power Company estimates the damage to its station at over $5,000. In both cases, the damage is covered by insurance.
**Lights Are Restored.**
The accident was followed by the crippling of the entire electric system in the Tonawanda. Street and residential service was cut, and the supply for industrial purposes suffered likewise. […] own in middle states of […] had to work by candle or kerosene lamp in the absence of electrical current from the Tonawanda Power Company's electrical service. The lights were restored for the operation of motoring power for business purposes at 3 o'clock last night, and connections were made which provided light for residential and business places shortly after 11 o'clock this morning. It had been stated to many during the afternoon, neither the business or residential services were to be restored, announcements having been given on the morning service that the officers would be closed on account of the probability of no lights being available.
It was said today that cables had been cut around the tower, connecting with the Tonawanda Power Company's transmission, providing current for industrial purposes. Early this afternoon, the station was producing its normal amount of power. This condition will remain until the management of the Falls Tower Company has rebuilt the tower and equipped it with the necessary machinery for the resumption of the company's operations.
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**Trolley Lines Affected.**
When this power went off, leaving the Tonawandas in darkness, the company operating the local streetcar system also had its current interrupted. The cars were by operating from the Niagara Falls power house, and cars from Niagara Falls were able to proceed as far as the Tonawanda city line, a connection was made there with the Niagara Falls Power Company's power line; the cars on this line are illuminated; only an oil lamp is used.
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**Cause of Explosion Still Unknown**
The water used to extinguish took with it large quantities like pastel[?]. An official of the Northside stated today that it appeared that the fire caught some manner to have made its way to the interior of the primary boiler and started a gas that caused the explosion. The experts, however, have no definitive theory yet.
All efforts to learn the cause of the explosion have been fruitless so far. Officials and employees are in complete darkness as to any possible cause of the accident. The suppression prevented that even the National Guard would be called to patrol the district to prevent any possible looting in the absence of lights that would enable wrongdoers to work in security. The militia, however, was not needed, and everything remained quiet during the night. […]
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Coroner to Investigate.
Coroner Thomas Whalen of Tonawanda has issued a proclamation calling for an inquest into the disaster, to begin at 10 o'clock this morning. The jury is composed of men who have been with the designation of the business and professional men in the city. The jury has remained in the station to return tomorrow and begin an investigation of the affair.
A Director of the Tonawanda Power Company announced to the rubber workers that no question of a bonus would be gone into until a true human verdict on the destruction of a man in various departments had been reached. The jury will see all the books of the company and other employees of the company who were killed.
Survivors of Dead
Albert Elb is survived by a very young daughter named Alice. William F. … survived by a wife and a number of children. William Edward Tonawanda was a member of the Maccabee Tent and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a brother and had a fine insurance.
… Ward is survived by a wife, two sons, Richard and John W. Jr., and a daughter, Miss Esther Ward, all of Tonawanda.
Richardson is survived by his wife and six grown-up children. He was the son of Herman Richardson of Perry, New York. He was a brother to George Herman and Alton Richardson and Mrs. Lucy Hogan all of North Tonawanda.
Mable is survived by a wife and a young son. H. was a member of the American Legion. Survivors of Norman Tonawanda include … and Mrs. Fred Blaine of Third Avenue.
… Stanley survived by a wife and children and by his parents.
Shannon was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shannon, with whom he lived in Tonawanda.
… is survived by his wife, Mrs. … also the mother, Mrs. Ann …, a sister, Mrs. Elmer … of Niagara Falls, and two brothers, William and George … of …
Falskin is survived by his wife and two adult children, a son and daughter, … Smith and Margaret.
Doel leaves a wife and four children. His father, Samuel Doel, and a brother, Robert Doel, live at №641 Broad Street, Tonawanda.
Others survived by a wife, three brothers, Harvey Yap of Fairmont, W. Va., and Turner Weiss and B. S. Yates of Charleston, W. Va., and six sisters, Mrs. Henry Sider of North Tonawanda, Mrs. Melvin Van Meter, Mrs. Newton Harris, Mrs. W. D. Redfer of Summit Point, W. Va., and Mrs. Jessie Reffland …
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**CAUGHT BEHIND FLAME CURTAIN**
**Eyewitness Says Transformer Station Was A Roaring Furnace**
**RUSHED BACK INTO FIRE**
Victims of Explosion Appeared to be Deranged by Ordeal Through which They Passed - Thought only of Welfare of Fellow Workers.
Albert Boyer, a member of the Board of Health and the firm of Shook and Bayer, proprietors of the Payne Avenue junction waiting room; Leo Goodman of Miller street, employed at the junction as a clerk, and Chester Merz of Payne avenue were first to reach the Tonawanda Power Company's plant following the explosion early Sunday morning.
They related today at first hand an account of conditions found on their arrival. The three men left the waiting room after it was closed Sunday morning, following the departure of the last trolley cars, for a spin on Marz's motorcycle, to which is attached a sidecar. One of the party mentioned it would be an ideal night for some real excitement.
The motorcycle was speeding down Niagara street after turning off Schenck street, when great tongues of flame were seen mounting above the embankment of the high speed line. All realized there was a fire nearby and Marz speeded his machine to a nearby firebox, where an alarm was sounded. In the stillness of the night, cries of help were heard coming from the transformer station.
Samual Derby was met at the door of the transformer station who informed Boyer and Marz of what was taking place. They speeded back to the Payne Avenue junction, where every doctor and ambulance which it was possible to reach was summoned by telephone.
Goodman remained with Derby Hall found the room, containing the dead and injured men, a roaring furnace. He said Derby went back into the place to render assistance to fellow…
Employees trapped by the flames suffered terrible burns from which some were suffering. Superintendent Albert S. Allen and Ralph Allen, according to Goodman, made their way out of the flame-swept section of the building, but the latter, aging and deranged from the ordeal through which he had passed, returned to warn others, but before he could be prevented, met his death.
Goodman said the clothing worn by both Sybil and Ralph Allen were so badly burned that he was able to pull the burning coats from their backs, as well as shirts and underclothing with ease.
Looking into the flame-swept room, Goodman was able to see the dead and dying men lying about the floor, unable to provide any assistance, for to enter the place at that time would have resulted in fatal burns.
Goodman praised the effort and concern of Albert and Ralph Allen, as well as August Shamrock, who also made his way out of the roaring furnace. They were all trying to get assistance to fellow employees trapped amid the flames. They sacrificed their own safety, caring for themselves only after attending to others' injuries.
Shamrock, overwhelmed at the door leading to the burning building, said "For God's sake don't bother about me, but do something to help those poor devils who are in there burning up!" Later, Shamrock was pulled from the building, but by that point, his condition had deteriorated significantly.
Around this time, Motorcycle Patrolman Power and Engineer Oliver from the transformer station and the fire department arrived on the scene, making desperate attempts to reach those trapped.
The scene was described as horrific. As onlookers drew near, the agonized cries of trapped men, surrounded by flames behind a virtual wall of fire, could be heard. Many were pleading, interspersed with their cries for help.
(Note: The transcription may not be entirely accurate due to some sections of the image being blurry or cut off.)
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**GREAT DISPLAY OF FORTITUDE**
**Supt. Allen Directs Rescuers Although Fatally Burned**
**FIRST THOUGHT OF HIS MEN**
With Eyesight Gone and Clothes Burned from His Body, He Declines to Leave Power House until Rescue Work is Carried Well Forward.
The story of the presence of mind and courage displayed by Superintendent Albert S. Allen at the power house fire early yesterday morning was graphically described by eyewitnesses, members of the fire department, and others, who arrived on the scene shortly after the alarm was raised. With his sight gone and most of the clothes burned from his body, Mr. Allen directed the work of the rescuers until taken to the hospital.
Mr. Allen's first consideration was for his fellow-workers, the men who were in the eastern section of the building where the fire was raging most fiercely, and who were either felled or rendered unconscious by the explosion. Those who were first to arrive on the scene found Mr. Allen outside the building with his clothes on fire. The smoldering garments were immediately torn from his body. Notwithstanding this condition, however, the gallant official would not leave the power station until the work of rescue was carried well forward. Mr. Allen had evidently not been in the direct line of the explosion, for he was not as badly burned as…
*Continued on Page Three*
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PAGE THREE - -
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Here's the transcription of the provided image:
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**BLAST VICTIMS' FUNERALS HERE**
*(Continued from Page One)*
Sawyer's Creek cemetery. Peniston will be buried at Elmwan. Both men were members of St. Matthew's church.
The other double funeral will be that of Albert S. Allen and Ralph H. Allen, brothers, services for whom will be conducted at the home of their mother, Mrs. Ann Allen, at No. [part missing] street at 8 o'clock tomorrow night. The services will be conducted by Rev. Frederick Miller, [part missing] of the First M. E. church, and will be in charge of Sutherland Lodge, [part missing] A. M., of which both were members. The bodies will be taken to Moravia, N. Y., on the following morning for burial.
The funeral of James Robertson will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the late residence. No. [part missing] Robinson street. The services will be conducted by Rev. Hugo Kuepper of the Redeemer Lutheran church. Burial will be at Elmwan.
The funeral of William Ward will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3:47 o'clock at his late home, №417 Division street. Rev. Charles Bloom of the Payne Avenue Church of Christ will conduct the service and burial will be in the Sweeney cemetery.
The funeral of Edward Shimrock will be held Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Shamrock of №777 East Robinson street, and half an hour later at the Ascension church on Robinson street, Rev. J. F. Kelly officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet.
The funeral of Charles [part missing] of [part missing] will be held at Oreville, Ohio, [part missing] afternoon. The services will be conducted at the home of his father [part missing] Thurs to [part missing] o'clock. The body will be shipped to [part missing] from Block & [part missing] tomorrow morning.
[The rest is cut off and not visible.]
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(Note: The transcription is incomplete due to the blurry and cut-off sections of the image.)d

1920-11-01