GLASGOW HERALDPenny Tray wrote: ↑Mon Oct 09, 2017 11:06 amGLASGOW HERALDPenny Tray wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2017 12:16 pm GLASGOW HERALD
8 OCTOBER 1902
ACCIDENT AT NOBEL'S
TERRIFIC EXPLOSION - ONE MAN KILLED
An alarming explosion of nitro-glycerine occurred at Nobel's Dynamite Works, Stevenston, last evening at 20 minutes past five, resulting in the death of one man.
The explosion took place in the final washing-house, No. 5 Dynamite Factory, near the spot when a similar explosion occurred in January last. Two tanks of nitro-glycerine, each containing 2000 lb weight exploded.
The only man near at the time was WILLIAM CARSON, and he was literally blown to atoms, fragments of his clothing being found afterwards several hundred yards from the spot where the explosion occurred.
Carson was married, and resided in Bog Street, Stevenston. He was 35 years of age. He had seven of a family the eldest of whom is under 14 years of age.
The officials at the factory have not the slightest idea how the explosion occurred. Carson came on duty at five o'clock, and there is not a single operation in the part of the works where he is located which is considered dangerous. He was an experienced nitro-glycerine worker, had been in the factory since August 1888, over 14 years, and had the reputation of being a thoroughly reliable and steady man.
Immediately after the explosion a large and melancholy crowd wended its way from Stevenston to the dynamite factory which is two miles distant. Each little group was anxiously discussing the situation, and many times the fear was expressed that some friend might be amongst the killed or injured. As soon as it was known that there was only one casualty there was a general relief, though profound sympathy was expressed with the widow and children of the unfortunate man who had met his death.
The explosion was distinctly heard at Ardrossan, and the ominous sound was at once recognised. Windows and some houses were shaken, and it seemed at first as if a slight earthquake had occurred, so terrific was the force of the explosion.
In the direction of the dynamite factory a greyish white cloud was seen slowly rising in the sky.
At the moment when the explosion was heard, a flash of light was distinctly seen at a farmhouse several miles from Ardrossan.
The sound of the explosion was distinctly heard at several places in Arran, and there too, windows were violently shaken.
The explosion is remarkable as being the loudest which has been heard for many years.
Work at the dynamite factory will be carried on as usual today except in the part affected by the explosion.
The company always gives substantial pecuniary assistance to the relatives of those killed or injured in the factory, and the widow and family of Carson will be no exception.
A large window in a bar in Saltcoats was blown into the street, and not far from the same place the plate glass window of a draper's shop was fractured.
So far as Irvine was concerned the explosion was by no means to be compared with its forerunner of seven months ago in sensational effect. It made itself felt however, all over the district, and knocked in a few panes of glass in buildings at Irvine Harbour, as well as extinguishing the light in the harbour beacon at the bar mouth.
9 OCTOBER 1902
THE ARDEER EXPLOSION
Yesterday in the danger department of the factory workers were not allowed to start. They came out in the morning, but were sent home again. It is expected that work will be resumed very soon.
In all other parts of the factory business is proceeding as usual.
It is expected that the Government Inspector of Explosives, who will inquire into the accident, will arrive at the factory today.
The excitement in connection with the accident has now subsided. The explosion was the loudest ever heard in Stevenston, and for the first time occasioned damage in the town by the breakage of several windows. Hitherto the town had escaped injury when an explosion occurred.
At Saltcoats it was supposed that the gasometer had exploded, so close did the noise seem.
10 OCTOBER 1902
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Achaglachgach, Tarbet, Loch Fyne, 8 October, 1902
Sir,
THE EXPLOSION AT ARDEER
The explosion at Nobel’s yesterday was plainly heard in this house, and the open windows were shaken. The house is situated on the west shore of West Loch Tarbet, faces south-east, and is from Ardeer somewhere about 32 miles, according to the Ordnance Survey maps.
I am, &c.
H. R. BRUINES