Kokomo, IN Explosion In Laundry, May 1928

FOUR WOMEN KILLED, SEVEN INJURED IN EXPLOSION.

BLAST FELT IN LAUNDRY AT KOKOMO.

WHOLE INDIANA CITY -- IS ROCKED AND MANY WINDOWS BROKEN -- BUILDING WRECKED AND CAR TRACKS TORN UP.

Kokomo, Ind., May 12. -- An explosion occurred in the steam pressing department of the Fridlin Laundry here today.
Four women were killed and seven others were reported seriously injured. It was feared some of the injured might die.
The laundry is located directly in the center of the city. Many windows in buildings nearby were shattered. The concussion was felt for several miles.
So great was the shock that tracks of the Union Traction Co. running in the center of the street in front of the laundry, were torn up for several feet.
The entire laundry building was wrecked. Workmen in all sections of the building were thrown from their feet and it was believed that many were hurt.
The entire city was thrown into confusion.
The dead are:
ANNA BLACK.
EMMA BLACK FORD, Miss Black's sister.
ROZELLA COURTNEY.
THELMA GAIRLOTT.
MISS BLACK was thrown bodily from the building into the street.
A number of persons were injured, several seriously. It was impossible to get a complete list of the injured, due to the confusion after the blast.
Company officials decleared the steam boilers could not have exploded. They said pressure was below normal and they were at a loss to explain what had caused the explosion.

Star Journal Sandusky Ohio 1928-05-12
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!