TERRIFIC EXPLOSION NEAR BERKELEY.
ABOUT 5 o'clock Friday afternoon, April 16, the most fearful explosion perhaps ever known, occurred on a peninsula running into the Bay, near Berkeley. Since the explosion of giant powder in San Francisco Co., some six months ago, the works have been removed to Berkeley, where they have been in operation about two months. The building was 28 by 75 feet, made of redwood scantling bolted together. In this were about ten tons of giant powder which exploded at the time above stated. In what manner the explosion was produced can never be known, as all were destroyed who were in and around the building. Those who are acquainted with the explosive force of giant powder can better imagine what a fearful destruction was occasioned by the explosion of ten tons at once, than words can describe. How many lives were lost is not known. Twenty-four employes, about half of whom were Chinamen, were in the building. Besides these there were several visitors, one man seeking work, and a boy, who had just driven up in a wagon. All that has been found of any of the persons are small fragments, and these at considerable distances.