Pittsburgh, PA Flood, Mar 1936 - Explosions Add to Flood

EXPLOSIONS ADD TO SUFFERING IN FLOOD AREA

PITTSBURGH, March 18- (AP)- An explosion which tore through a home crowded with flood refugees injured at least thirty persons today some seriously.

The brick house in suburban Lawrenceville was ripped apart by the blast.

The cause of the explosion was undetermined.

PITTSBURGH, March 18-(AP)-At least seven persons were hurt and some were feared dead as an explosion and fire destroyed a factory building and a row of eleven houses in suburban Etna today.

Six to ten feet of water trapped the occupants of the houses as flames spread from the Etna Forge & Bolt Company and swept over the homes.

Other industrial buildings were in the paths of the fire which still was raging.

First meager reports from the Allegheny general hospital where victims were brought were that fathers and mothers were separated from their children as they tried to find their way to safety.

HOME FLOODED

One of the victims, John Volkovich, told of the tragedy.

"We huddled on the second floor of the house. Water was up to my neck on the first floor.

"We were up all night on account of the flood, when there was an awful explosion at the nut and bolt shop across the street.

"Suddenly I heard two loud reports and saw a big fire. The flames jumped across the street."

Reno Evening Gazette, Reno, NV 18 Mar 1936

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Mail clerks in Pittsburgh wore miners lamps after the flood condition deprived them of light.

Indiana Weekly Messenger, Indiana, PA 26 Mar 1936