Jackson's Pyrotechnics Factory Fire
Chester, PA
February 17, 1882
On February 17, 1882, an explosion occurred in the Porter Mansion, an old stone building on an open lot at the corner of Third and Welsh Streets in Chester, Pennsylvania. The building, which was the former residence of Admiral Porter's relatives, was occupied by Professor Samuel Jackson's manufactory of Pyrotechnics and also used as a residence by several families. A two story frame extension was added to the rear of the building, used as part of the factory. The explosion occurred at 7:20 a.m. and blew part of the roof off and set the building on fire. The explosion is believed to have been caused by a puff of coal gas from a stove that set fire to loose powder on the floor, which in turn exploded some of the fireworks stored in the room. Moyamensing Hose, Franklin Hose, and Handly Hook and Ladder, the three fire companies that make up the Chester Fire Department, responded to the scene. The firemen were tired from fighting the fire at the Academy the night before. They were told that there was little or no powder and harmless pyrotechnics stored in the building - so, they set to work without fear. Some men helped in removing equipment from the building while others took positions on the roof to better reach the fire. Another slight explosion occurred, causing the crowd of spectators to back away from the scene. After the work of fighting the flames had gone on for half an hour, and the building was surrounded by a throng of firemen and spectators, a violent explosion occurred and an entire wing of the stone building was thrown into the air. Fragments of stone, timber, and human bodies were hurled long distances and scattered over a wide area. Men watching the fire from 150 yards away were struck and killed. Others were dashed against houses and trees with fatal violence. Others were torn limb from limb. One assistant fireman who was standing on the roof of the wing that exploded was thrown to the top of the main building where he lodged among the burning rafters. He lay howling in pain, roasting to death for half an hour, before being rescued, only to die shortly after. One fireman, who was standing on a ladder putting water on the fire, was struck by a stone and thrown 150 feet away, where he fell dead, horribly mangled. The dead bodies of two other firemen, who had been on the roof, were picked up 200 yards away. The explosion shook buildings and broke windows all over the city. The firemen stopped fighting the fire and switched to rescue and recovery operations. Fragments of bodies, that had been scattered around, were gathered up and taken along with the dead to City Hall for identification. The wounded were carried to nearby houses where they were cared for by doctors. Afterwards, the firemen returned to fighting the fire, which was put out by 10 o'clock, although there was little left to burn. A search was then made for missing people. Fifteen people were killed by the explosion, and about seventy-five people were injured. At least three other people died from their injuries in the following days. |
