Charles Perricone Severely Burned-1914

PERRICONE, PIGANO

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 1/11/2020 at 13:04:24

Evening Times-Republican, Saturday, Jun 27, 1914, Marshalltown, IA, Page: 7

Charles Perricone, aged 35, an Italian laborer, was probably fatally burned, when the cupola at the La Plant Tool Company’s plant, on East Nevada Street, was partly wrecked by an explosion at 3:30 Friday afternoon. The cause of the explosionn is a mystery to the mangament of the plant and the exact manner in which Perricone was injured is not known, as he was alone in the moulding room at the time.

Perricone’s injuries consist of deep burns on the face, arms and both knees. Pratically the entire upper half of his body was burned. A deep cut on the left side of the face was probably due to flying metal.

Plant Preparing to Close

The explosion occurred at a time when the force was preparing to take the heat off for the day, just before closing down for two weeks to make repairs. The metal was molten and would have been ready for pouring in just a few minutes more. The working force had left the scene of the explosion temporarily and Perricone had evidently just entered, and was passing the cupola when the explosion occurred.

The roar of the explosion and the screams of the injured man were heard by other employees. It is believed he was burned from the blazing gas pouring from the vents in the cupola as he was passing.

Body Coverd With Burns

Perricone fell but regained his feet and with a yell of pain, rushed to the west exit from the moulding room. He returned had just enetred, when he again fell. Dr. G. E. Hermnce was called and the injured man was hurried to the Deaconess Hospital, where his condition was reported as critical.

Cupola is Pratically Wrecked

The four-ton cupola was partly destroyed by the force of the explosion. The inner lining was badly torn and the grate and bottom of the cupola blown out. The supporting rod at the base was driven thru the thick iron bottom plate. Had the explosion been an aoutward one instead of downward the building would probably have beeb wrecked. There was no damage to the plant aside from that to the cupola.

Perricone Has Family

At thre home of Michael Pigano, 705 East Nevade Street, where Perricone has been rooming, it was said that the injured man has a wife and two small children in Italy. He had been in the employ of the La Plant Company since April 18, as a larborer.