A horizontal seam about the middle of the left hand side had given way, and the upper portion of the 3rd and 4th rings of plates had spread out like a lid without being detached from the boiler. The front end became detached and was thrown some distance to the front.
The cause of explosion was, that the left side of the boiler became overheated, and so much softened, that it first bulged outwards with the ordinary working pressure, and then rent open. The overheating was most likely the result of shortness of water, but it might possibly have been in consequence of the intense heat of a mill furnace impinging on a small area so near the water line, leading to such rapid ebullition as to prevent sufficient contact of the water to keep the plates cool.
No.10. Dunse.
February 14th.
1 injured.
Locomotive. It exploded while standing in a shed, but no particulars have been obtained.
No.11. Middlesbro'.
February 26th.
1 injured.