Newberry, SC Hardware Store Explosion, Nov 1934

THREE BURN TO DEATH.

Newberry, S. C., Nov. 17. (UP) -- Charred bodies of three men were dug today from the ruins of a hardware store wrecked by a terrific explosion followed by fire here last night.
The dead:
JESS MAYES, clerk.
JOHN T. HALL, state highway deparment mechanic.
JOE BROWN, negro.
Four other men suffered severe injuries.
They were:
FRANK LOMINICK, owner of the establishment.
E. B. LOWRY.
ROSS WILSON.
NAT GIST.
Physicians described LOMINICK'S condition as critical.
Numerous others, including women and children, were cut by flying glass, from plate glass windows shattered over a radius of three blocks by the blast. The explosion caused persons living three miles away to believe an earthquake had occured.
Cause of the blast was not immediately determined. It was believed to have ignited inflammable liquid of some kind stored in the building's basement. The explosion blew out the entire rear end of the two-story brick building, shattering debris over automobile parked in the street. Children picked up toys hurled across the street.
The ensuing fire raged for more than two hours before firemen brought it under control. Buildings adjoining the hardware store, on each side also were damaged. Total damage was estimated at $200,000.

Gastonia Daily Gazette North Carolina 1934-11-17
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!