Montague, ME Millinery Store Explosion, Jan 1904

FATAL EXPLOSION IN STORE.

Two Kiiled and Bodies of Others May

Be in Ruins.

MONTAGUE. Me., Jan. 7.—A fatal explosion

In the millinery store of Cleary

Brothers to-night killed at least two persons,

caused the injury of five others, and

started a fire that destroyed the building,

with a loss of $5,000.

Four persons who are thought to have

been in the store when the explosion occurred

are missing, and it is feared that

their bodies will be found in the ruins'

Those known to have lost their lives are

James Cleary, one of the proprietors, and

Miss Nettie Clapp, a bookkeeper. .Flying

timbers struck Gordon McKay, who was

passing the store, dangerously Injuring him

about the head and shoulders. Others received

minor injuries by the collapse of

the walls.

The explosion is said to have been caused

by the clogging of a gas pipe. The concussion

was felt throughout the town, and

huge timbers were thrown 100 yards.

The New York Times, New York, NY 8 Jan 1904
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Submitted & Transcribed by Greg Eichelberger. Thanks, Greg!