On May 25, 1950, a ``Green Hornet'' street car exploded in flames after ramming a gasoline tanker in Chicago, according to the Associated Press and United Press.
Waves of burning gasoline ignited buildings and autos, blistered billboards - and took the lives of 34 people.
Extra alarms brought 34 pieces of fire apparatus to the scene at the intersection of 63rd and State Street.
The Green Hornet was moving at a brisk speed when it entered an open switch - sending it coursing into traffic.
Calvin M. Dahl, who witnessed the crash from his auto, said: "I slowed down but the street car didn't. It hit that switch and it swerved. It smacked that truck right in the middle and the truck jumped about five feet.''
Peter Sunadis, owner of a nearby tavern, said: "I ran to the telephone but before I could complete a call to the fire department the front window of the tavern cracked under the intense heat and then fell inside."
Passengers stood little or no chance.
An eyewitness said: "Only a few escaped through windows. Their clothes were on fire. They looked like little flaming dolls."
The Green Hornet's motorman and the tanker driver were among the dead.
Passengers stood little or no chance.
An eyewitness said: "Only a few escaped through windows. Their clothes were on fire. They looked like little flaming dolls."
The Green Hornet's motorman and the tanker driver were among the dead.
No comments:
Post a Comment