KIRON ACETYLENE TANK EXPLOSION-1915

JOHNSON, ANDERSON

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 12/4/2019 at 10:10:08

Denison Review, Wednesday, Oct 27, 1915, Denison, IA, Page: 7

KIRON ACETYLENE
TANK EXPLOSION
~
Erich Johnson and Miss Olga Anderson
Badly Burned when Tank
Explodes at Kiron Hotel
~
IGNITES FROM LIGHTED LANTERN
~
Injured Attended by Physician, and
Found to be Severely Burned,
Miss Anderson Serious
~
Kiron, Oct 25.- About 7 o’clock Friday night the town was shaken and startled by the heavy explosion, which proved to be the acetylene tank in the rear of the Kiron Hotel lot.

The lights in the hotel, which burned somewhat dimly when lit, caused Erich Johnson to decide to fill the carbide, and while he was at work filling he was illuminated by a lantern in the hands of Miss Olga Anderson, the chief waiter at the hotel. The gas formed why being filled was ignited from the lantern, which exploded with a most heavy report, and both Frick and Miss Olga were badly burned, receiving most severe and ugly burns about the face and neck and right arm. While Frick’s injuries are not so severe, painful burns were received in his face and right hand. That they were not killed outright is a miracle and a puzzle to many, where the amount of carbide used and its dangerous and explosive element is considered: Frick was told not to attempt to fill it that evening but wait until next morning, but deeming it not dangerous he thought it best to fill it in the evening so as to afford light for the hotel.

They were taken to Dr. Garner’s office and their injuries attended to as Miss Olga’s condition is somewhat serious it will take some time before she will be able to be about. Her many friends deeply regret the affair in which she had to be the most unlucky victim.