125 years ago in 1897

Taken directly from the Youngstown Vindicator”

“Big Explosion. Four employees of the Ohio Steel Co.’s Plant terribly burned. One death resulted. Four of the injured men in the hospital — several escaped.

“One of the most serious accidents which has occurred lately in this valley happened Friday afternoon at about 15 minutes after 3 o’clock at the large plant of the Ohio Steel Company and it has resulted in the horrible death of one and likely the disfiguring of four others.

“The accident happened in the boiler house and was the result of a large tube blowing out of place.

“The mishap came without warning, and caused a stampede of many employees of the boiler rooms. Some were fortunate in escaping. The tube in No. 1, after blowing out, resulted in the fires of the other boilers going out, causing much damage.

“What started the explosion is a question which will later be determined. It may have been the result of weakness on the part of the boiler, but then again, someone may have been at fault. The men all say no blame should be attached to any of the employees.

“As soon as the accident occurred, word was sent to the doctors and orders given to Orr’s undertaking office to send an ambulance. The ambulance from Gillam’s morgue was also summoned.

“In the meantime, a steel plant employee, Fred Ainge, looked after the wounded, assisted by other employees. Perhaps one of the most serious is Eli Rhulman. He was a fireman. His face was terribly burned and he is thought to be hurt internally.

“Ralph Reynolds is one of the boiler house gang. He is 68 years of age and was badly burned.

“Thomas Wile is one of the lot who is faring rather poorly, and he is in serious condition. He was grinding a safety line at the time and jumped from a platform to escape the danger. He broke his leg in falling and could not get away from the terrible steam. He was employed on the boiler crew, as was also John Brown, who was not very badly injured.

“William Brown was also one of those injured to a great extent. He was foreman of the boiler rooms and uncle of John Brown. He was at a loss to understand what caused the accident.

“The injured men, with the exception of John Brown, who was not considered serious enough to take to the hospital, were conveyed to the City Hospital. Soon, nervous mothers and willing fathers arrived and all possible was done to alleviate the sufferings of the injured. The best of hospital doctors were in attendance and performed rapidly and well the work of relieving pain. Those most suffering were taken care of first and all possible attention given to them.

“Different stories are told by the employees regarding the manner of the explosion by all who were nearby at the time remembering differently.

“The loss to the company is trivial and not considered when the accident to the employees is mentioned. It will not cause a stoppage.”

• Compiled from the archives of The Vindicator by Traci Manning, Mahoning Valley Historical Society curator of education.