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Show EXPLOSION OF AMMUNITION. A large quantity of ammunition explodes, spreading death and destruction. Cairo, Sept. [September] 28 - An ammunition train exploded near the Cairo railway depot, and explosions still continue. Arabs and Europeans are flying from the scene. Thirty persons are reported killed. The explosions of shells continue at intervals. In less than thirty minutes the railway depot was in flames, and a train also was ablaze. The losses through the war are less than expected, the provincial treasury being fairly filled. Particulars of the Explosion. Cairo, Sept. 28 - Another account of the explosion is as follows: The train from Berlin had arrived with the Sixtieth Rifles when the ammunition wagon in the station exploded, killing a doctor in the train, with invalids and some men [?], the number of whom is unknown: "The train ignited and the fire spread to the railroad depot which was quickly burned. The flames next reached the commissary depot adjoining and thence extended to some magazines, which exploded. It was found impossible to prevent the reserve ammunition being destroyed. The train with the Sixtieth Rifles arrived just as another was starting from Alexandria, with trucks containing ammunition. The shells on one truck exploded, scattering shells all over the station, and demolishing the end carriages of the Berlin train, in which were a number of invalids. It is feared some soldiers and natives were buried among the debris. The Duke of Connaught and the Duke of Terk [?], with their staffs, are on the spot, and the engines are going forward but the fire spread so rapidly that it is hopeless to expect that anything of consequence will be saved. The truck with the supply [?] of ammunition exploded, rendering approach perilous. The whole approach of the commissary, the main ordinance stores, a greater part of the storage, and a large quantity of clothing were destroyed. It is estimated that the loss is $100,000. Later. It is reported that three of the Rifles were killed and some wounded by the explosion, and several natives killed. A number of inhabitants rushed about carrying clothing [?], money and other portable articles under the impression that Cairo had been surprised by a new enemy. It is supposed the explosion was caused by sparks from a passing train. A Major of the Marines and a private were wounded and an Arab was killed. There may be many more victims, but these are all known of as yet. The Indian troops will return to India immediately. General Wolseley [?] has returned [?]. |