Syracuse, NY House Fire, Mar 1912

CHILDREN PLAYED WITH MATCHES, 1 DYING, 2 INJURED

Set Their Clothing Afire in Cellar in Home in Wall Street.

HURRIED TO THE HOSPITAL

Brother and Sister Tried to Save Josephine Bania, and Suffered in Consequence---Dr. Stevens Calls Hopital[sic] Ambulance.

Josephine Bania, 6 years old, was probably fatally burned shortly before 2 o'clock this afternoon, when her dress caught fire while she was playing with matches in the cellar of her home, No. 130 Wall street. She was taken to the Women's and Children's hospital, where her condition is said to be hopeless.

A brother, 8 years old, and a sister, 7 years old, were seriously burned on the shoulders, arms and neck when they tried to put out their sister's clothing, which was on fire.

When the accident occurred the children were playing in the cellar. Josephine picked up some matches which were lying on the floor. She struck one against the wall and held it near her dress. The cloth caught fire and in a minute she was covered with flames. The brothers and sister cried for help and tried to put out the flames. When Mrs. Bania reached the scene the clothing was burned almost entirely off the child's body.

Dr. George H. Stephens was called, and he dressed the burns, after which the child was hurried to the hospital. Her abdomen, legs, arms and face were covered with deep burns.

Syracuse Herald, Syracuse, NY 5 Mar 1912
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!