Parsons, KS Boiler Explosion, July 1886

BOILER EXPLOSION KILLS AND MAIMS SEVERAL PERSONS AT PARSONS, KAN.

Parsons, Kan. (special) -- One of the immense boilers used by the National Mills and Elevator Company exploded with terrific force, killing the engineer, DAVID CRUMRIN, and the fireman, ANDERSON STOREY, colored. Nothing is known as to what caused the explosion, nor was there any warning of the catastrophe. The mills are situated about one-quarter of a mile from the city, but so great was the concussion that people up-town were thrown off their balance. W. H. BROWN, manager for the company, had just left the engine-room, where he had been giving some orders, and was standing inside of the wall when the crash came. He was precipitated headlong, so sudden was the break as not to allow him to guard himself against the fall. The mill employed about twenty men, who are all more or less at different times passing through the engine-house, and the wonder is that there were not more victims. The debris immediately took fire, but by prompt and efficient work by the fire company the flames were subdued, when the bodies of both victims were discovered, and by dilligent and hard work were soon recovered from the ruins. CRUMRIN breathed a few times after he was discovered, but soon expired without regaining consciousness.

Sterling Standard Illinois 1886-07-15
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!