Philadelphia, PA Explosion On Tank Steamer, June 1890

A FATAL EXPLOSION

FOLLOWED BY THE BURNING OF A TANK STEAMER IN PHILADELPHIA.

Philadelphia, June 5. -- About 4 o'clock this afternoon an explosion occurred on the German tank steamer 'Hans and Kurt', lying at the works of the Atlantic Oil Refining Company, at Point Breeze, on the Delaware River, in the oil district of Philadelphia. The explosion set fire to the vessel and wharf property, almost destroying the former and burning a brick storage building.
JOSEPH H. QUINN, aged thirty-six years, of 820 Jackson Street, shipping clerk for the refining company, was on board the steamer when the explosion occurred. He was covered with burning oil, and ran ashore, where every effort was made to quench the flames, but he was burned so badly that he died soom after being removed to St. Agnes's Hospital.
HARRIS SHONHOLTZ, aged thirty-seven years, a hoseman of Engine No. 4, while at work on the steamer, was overcome by heart and inhaled smoke. He was taken to the hospital in an unconscious condition, ahd the physicians there have but slight hopes of saving his life.
JOHN KARL WUENT, aged forty-two years, carpenter of the steamer, was badly burned, and in addition dislocated an arm while making his escape from the burning vessel. His condition is serious. HENRY CAMPEN, aged forty years, steam fitter at the oil works, had both feet and portions of his body badly scalded by burning oil. His condition is serious. A number of others were burned or scalded less seriously.
The damage to the ship and cargo is estimated at $150,000. The Atlantic Oil Refining Company's loss on the storage building and 250 barrels of oil contained therein is estimated at $5,000.

The New York Times New York 1890-06-06
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!