Providence Morning Star

Pawtucket.

Boiler Explosion.—The boiler in the planing mill of Joseph Smith & Co., at the foot of beer street, east side, exploded shortly before 3 o'clock this afternoon, making wreck of the boiler house, and burying Francis Conlan, the engineer, in the ruins. Mr. Conlan was rescued in about twenty minutes from the time of the accident and was found to be severely injured. His right arm was broken at the wrist, one eye was badly hurt and he was severely burned in various parts of his body. He was conveyed to his home on River street, where Doctors Gaylord, Bishop and Arnold attended him. It is impossible at the present writing to predict the result of his injuries.

The explosion was the occasion of the first alarm of fire by the new system, which was sounded from Box 7, on the Monitor engine house. The steamers responded promptly, and the Rough and Ready machine threw water on the smoking debris for some time. No cause is assigned for the explosion, but that the boiler was an old one. The engine was above the boiler and was but slightly injured. The boiler did not move many feet from its location, bursting out sideways. Loss between $5,000 and $6,000. Insured against explosion for $3,500.

Dec. 28.