Friday, July 13, 2012

1867 - Fireworks Explosion NYC

FIREWORK EXPLOSION -- THREE MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.

Yesterday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock, as EDWARD KENNY, a porter in the employ of Messrs. Purdy & Co., dealers in fireworks, at No. 34 Maiden Lane, was engaged in nailing the lid of a case containing a large quantity of "Union" torpedoes, he inadvertently drove a nail through one of the packages and a terrific explosion ensued, when KENNY was thrown several feet off, and sustained several serious external and internal injuries.

The contents of the case were entirely destroyed, the front window was blown out and the stock in the store somewhat disarranged, though no further explosions took place. The clerk in the store, MR. F. D. SMITH, was slightly injured by the concussion. MR. KENNY was removed to the New York Hospital, where he remains under treatment in a critical condition. The damage occasioned by the explosion to store and stock is estimated at $200.

The alarm bells range out the signal "No. 6" on the supposition that there was a fire. While Engine No. 12 was running down town in obedience to the alarm the engine knocked down and ran over JOSEPH BROCK, a native of Germany, 46 years of age, and residing at No. 96 Cherry Street. The accident occurred in the square in front of the Times Office, and MR. BROCK was very severely injured. He was carried to the New York Hospital. His recovery is considered doubtful.

New York Times, New York, New York
June 16, 1867