Gasoline Tank Explodes 1919

HAGENSICK, KIRSHBAUM, BURKE, DAHMEN

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 1/28/2016 at 22:02:44

Dubuque Telegraph Herald, January 11, 1919

N. M’GREGOR MAN FATALLY INJURED
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JOHN HAGENSICK SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN GASOLINE
TANK EXPLODES
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TWO OTHER MEN ARE SERIOUSLY HURT

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Edward Burke and Frank Kirshbaum Burned About Face and Body - Accident in Garage
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McGregor, Ia., Jan. 11 – Special:
John Hagensick, a cripple with one leg and prominent resident of North McGregor, was probably fatally injured and two other men, Frank Kirshbaum and Edward Burke, were severely hurt this afternoon when an empty gasoline tank, which Kirshbaum was repairing exploded. Hagensich and Kirshbaum were rushed to a hospital here where their injuries were dressed. The former’s condition is said to be critical but the latter is expected to recover. Burke was taken to his home in North McGregor.

Hagensick’s injuries consist of a badly crushed leg, while his face, body and arms are burned severely.

The blast was heard over the entire town and scores rushed to the assistance of the unfortunate men. Kirshbaum was discovered first, running down the street, his clothing ablaze, crying for help. Several men rushed to his assistance and extinguished the flames. Hagensick was found lying on the sidewalk just outside the garage. His clothes were also burned, while he lay helpless. Burke, who was thrown several feet by the explosion, was picked up in the garage.

The accident occurred in the Scenic Highway garage, where Kirshbaum was an employee. T. Dahmen is the proprietor.