THE STEAMBOAT EXPLOSION AT EASTON.

Causes of the Disaster – Statement of a Survivor.

EASTON, March 7. -- There continues to be much excitement and distress here concerning the calamity of yesterday. The following additional particulars have been ascertained:
The dome of the boiler was too small to keep a sufficient quantity of steam and water on hand; the consequence was, that, after the first trial to get up the rapids, they exhausted the steam, and had to lay by to generate steam. In doing so, the flues became heated red hot, and the pressure upwards of one hundred and twenty-five pounds the square inch. Upon the signal being given to start, the engineer commenced pumping cold water, and the motion of the boat brought the cold water in contact with the over-heated flues. The consequence was an explosion.
MR. SCHAEFF, the builder of its engine, and at the time engineer of the boat, was instantly killed; also, his son, GEORGE SCHAEFF, fireman.
JUDGE WM. R. SHARP, of Belvidere, is also among the killed.
There are now eleven persons dead and fourteen wounded, several dangerously so.
The hull of the boat lay against the pier of the railroad bridge, partly sunk. It is thought that several of those whose bodies have not been recovered are in the boat, and efforts are being made to raise her.
Statement of C. C. BURK, Esq. -- Previous to the explosion I was in the engine room; JUDGE SHARP and two strangers were in the room looking at the gauge[sic]; one of the gentlemen exclaimed
“My God, there is a pressure of 125 pounds of steam too much!!” I immediately passed to the forward part of the boat upon the upper deck, and passed over the boiler to the stern of the boat, and told the captain, “LABAR, there is 125 pounds of steam pressure now.”
He immediately struck the bell to start the boat, and ordered the boat to be cast loose, which was done; the boat remaining about two minutes after the bell was rung; the steam commenced passing through the trunk; I then seated myself on the stern and the explosion occurred; the engineer was not in the engine room when the captain rang the bell; I saw him at the side of the boiler trying the stop____ .
Coroner BRUNER, with a jury of six persons, has commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances attending the accident, and a verdict will not be rendered before tomorrow.
A man, supposed to be STEWART BEATTY, was thrown high into the air, towards the Jersey shore. His body has not been recovered.
GEORGE SMITH was blown about sixty yards up the river. His dead body, terribly mangled, was recovered.
The following is the condition of the wounded: BENJAMIN YOUELS, of Easton, whose leg was broken in two places, it is thought will not have to undergo amputation of the limb; EDWARD McINTYRE, colored, not expected to recover; HENRY MEDLER, of Easton, badly scalded, but is improving; VALENTINE SCHOOLEY, of Easton, two ribs broken, improving; ANDREW NEJLICK, of Belvidere, are broken in two places and dislocated, and otherwise injured, improving; EUGENE TROXEL, of Easton, severely bruised, but not dangerously hurt – he was blown forty feet into the air; PETER BAREAW, leg broken and badly bruised, recovering; JOHN SMITH, of Belvidere, hip broken, scalded, and otherwise injured, recovering; F. W. ICHLER, of Belvidere, several ribs broken, and head bruised, recovering; RICHARD WILLIAMS, of Easton, severely injured.

Philadelphia Press Pennsylvania 1860-03-08
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!