Tag Archives: explosions

December 1947: Powerful Blast Destroys House, Injures Fumigation Crew, Kills Neighbor

Posted on December 6, 2018 by lmharnisch

Before the introduction of Vikane, also known as Sulfuryl Fluoride, pesticide companies relied on hydrocyanic gas, a compound used to exterminate termites—and in California’s lethal gas chamber. That’s what a crew from Guarantee Fumigating Co. was pumping into the home … Continue reading →

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Oct. 26, 1907: Women Clean Clothes With Gasoline, Die After Explosion and Fire

Posted on October 26, 2018 by lmharnisch

Note: This is an encore post from 2006. Oct. 26, 1907 Los Angeles Two women in the West Adams District were badly burned and expected to die after a bowl of gasoline they were using to clean a soiled dress … Continue reading →

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Aug. 3, 1907: Gasoline Stove Explodes, Destroys House

Posted on August 3, 2018 by lmharnisch

Note: This is an encore post from 2006. Aug. 3, 1907 Los Angeles An enormous explosion shattered the night in the Dayton Heights neighborhood near what is now Virgil Avenue and Middlebury Street. “The shock of the explosion awakened people … Continue reading →

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Black L.A. 1947: Huge Blast Kills 17, Show Dangers of Industry Moving Into Black Neighborhoods

Posted on February 27, 2018 by lmharnisch

Feb. 20, 1947: An aerial view of the devastation from the explosion at the O’Connor Electroplating Corp.,  926 E. Pico Blvd.  Los Angeles Public Library Herald Examiner collection. The site of the O’Connor Electroplating explosion via Google Satellite View. The … Continue reading →

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June 6-7, 1908

Posted on June 7, 2008 by lmharnisch

Photograph by the U.S. Navy Four men are scalded to death and 10 are badly burned when a steam pipe bursts on  the Navy cruiser Tennessee during tests of ship’s top speed off Port Hueneme. The most seriously injured are … Continue reading →

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Jan. 28, 1908

Posted on January 27, 2008 by lmharnisch

If you’re going to check the level of oil in a tank, do not use an oil lamp with a flame … The explosion cuts off streetcar service in Los Angeles … And one of my favorite nefarious officials of … Continue reading →

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