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Scene of the explosion of gunpowder magazines near Erith, 1864. Creator: Unknown
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Scene of the explosion of gunpowder magazines near Erith, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Scene of the explosion of gunpowder magazines near Erith, 1864. '...a general view, taken from the embankment looking down the river,...[after] the destructive explosion at the Belvedere powder-magazines, near Erith, on Saturday morning, the 1st October...[An] inquest has been held at Guy's Hospital, by Mr. Serjeant Payne, Coroner for the city of London, upon the bodies of two persons who died in the hospital of the injuries which they received at Belvedere...it appeared that two barges, which had brought gunpowder from the mills at Faversham, were lying at the jetty belonging to their magazine at Belvedere when the explosion took place; and it is supposed that one of them was unloading at that moment...The jury found a verdict declaring that the two persons who died at the hospital were killed by the explosion of gunpowder, but how that explosion had originated there was no evidence to show. The jury, however, were of opinion "that the practice of allowing stoves or lights of any description on board the gunpowder barges should be discontinued".' From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38079382
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Accident Aftermath Crater Damage Damaged Deaths Debris Destruction Explosion Gunpowder H R C H Rc Incident Industrial Accident On Looker On Lookers Onlooker Onlookers R C H Rubble Thames
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful print captures the aftermath of the devastating explosion of gunpowder magazines near Erith in 1864. The scene, taken from the embankment looking down the river, shows the destruction caused by the tragic event. The explosion at the Belvedere powder-magazines on that fateful Saturday morning resulted in loss of lives and extensive damage.
An inquest held at Guy's Hospital revealed that two individuals lost their lives due to injuries sustained during the explosion. It was reported that two barges carrying gunpowder from Faversham were at the jetty when the blast occurred, with one possibly unloading at that moment. Despite investigations, it remained unclear how exactly the explosion originated.
The jury recommended discontinuing practices such as allowing stoves or lights on board gunpowder barges to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This historic photograph serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with handling explosives and highlights the importance of safety measures in such operations.
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