The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
September 8, 1915

Two More Deaths Follow Explosion

Oilton, Okla., Sept 7 (Special) Mrs. Hattie Pace and Mrs. Maggie O'Nell died in a hospital at Drumright from burns received Friday night when the automobile in which they were riding became enveloped in flames as the result of a gas explosion. John Wilson, a drilling contractor, who was driving the automobile, died from burns within a short time following the explosion.

Gas escaping from an oil tank was ignited by the lights on the automobile.

[also see Wilson, John article]


The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
September 8, 1915

Business Houses Burn At Sapulpa

Landmarks Destroyed by Fire Following Explosion of Gasoline

Sapulpa, Okla., Sept 7 - (Special) One half block on North Main, containing the oldest buildings in the city, was destroyed by fire at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning.

A gasoline explosion in the cleaning establishment of E. L. Newport was the origin of the fire. Newport was blown out of the back wall of the shop and is still unconscious. He will probably recover. Al Morgan, a prominent oil man, was blown into the middle of the street.

The buildings, some of which were sixteen years old, were of wood and burned like tinder. The Owl Drug store and the Smoke House next door, were a mass of flames before the firemen could get to them. One fireman was overcome by smoke and had to be revived with a pulmotor (sic). The loss, which divided among a number of owners, the chief of whom is Doctor Sterrett of McAlester, will not total more than $15,000 but the prominence of the corner and spectacular burning attracted the entire town. Only part of the loss is covered by insurance. This is the second disastrous fire for Sapulpa in two months.