A HUGE DYNAMITE BLAST KILLS TWO ROAD WORKERS

WEAVER, MCBRIDE

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 4/12/2007 at 12:03:30

A HUGE DYNAMITE BLAST KILLS TWO ROAD WORKERS

Elkader, Iowa. --- Vern A. Weaver, 27, of Iowa Falls, was almost instantly killed, and Jack McBride, 28, of Emmetsburg, was seriously injured late Thursday when dynamite, being used to remove rock for surfacing road No. 13, exploded. The accident happened south of here.

Eight holes were filled with dynamite and it is believed that a mistake was made in the amount used. Weaver took his station under a large crusher to set off the charge.

Contrary to expectations the blast blew out the face of the rock wall and almost completely destroyed two crushers, two conveyors, one screener, two gasoline motors and one light plant, causing a loss estimated at $10,000.

Weaver was pinned under the crusher with a large rock on his chest. He lived long enough to ask that the rock be lifted from his body. Immediately after this was done he died. His body was badly mangled.

The victim is a brother of M. C. Weaver, contractor, of Iowa Falls, and owner of the crushing plant where the accident happened. He is survived by his widow and one little daughter.

McBride suffered a broken collar bone and was badly bruised.

This was the first fatality on the paving job between Elkader and Strawberry Point.

Later -- Jack McBride, who was seriously wounded at the same time, died Friday morning in the hospital at Elkader. His home was at Emmetsburg. He was married and had a wife and two children. From the explosion it is estimated that over $3,700 worth of machinery was ruined.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping, hand dated 1928, from my mother's obituary scrapbook collection. Submitter has no further information.