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The fatal explosion at a percussion-cap manufactory in Graham-Street, Birmingham:...the ruins, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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The fatal explosion at a percussion-cap manufactory in Graham-Street, Birmingham:...the ruins, 1862. Creator: Unknown
The fatal explosion at a percussion-cap manufactory in Graham-Street, Birmingham: view of the ruins, 1862. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. W. Hart. 'Birmingham was the scene of a terrible explosion...by which nine persons lost their lives and a large number were severely injured. The accident took place in a manufactory belonging to Messrs. Walker...The work was chiefly done by women and young persons, and they were met to receive their wages when the explosion took place, burying employers and employed in a common ruin. There were five of the family of the proprietors on the premises at the time of the catastrophe - three sons and two daughters. Of these two of the former were killed, and one of the Misses Walker is shockingly injured. The building was completely destroyed and the adjoining property seriously injured. The cause of the explosion remains a mystery'. The percussion cap, introduced in the early 1820s, is a type of single-use percussion ignition device for muzzle loader firearm locks, enabling them to fire reliably in any weather condition. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38686423
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Accident Aftermath Armaments Birmingham West Midlands England Deaths Debris Explosion Explosive Explosives Incident Industrial Accident Leitch Richard Leitch Richard Principal Manufacturing Richard Leitch Richard Principal Leitch Rubble
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EDITORS COMMENTS
**The Devastating Consequences of Industrial Catastrophe**
This haunting photograph print, taken in Graham-Street, Birmingham in 1862, captures the ruins left behind after a fatal explosion at a percussion-cap manufactory. The disaster claimed nine lives and left many more severely injured. On that fateful day, workers - mostly women and young people - had gathered to receive their wages when tragedy struck.
The blast destroyed the building and damaged surrounding properties, leaving in its wake a trail of devastation. Among those affected were five members of the Walker family, including three sons who lost their lives and one daughter left severely injured. The cause of this industrial catastrophe remains shrouded in mystery.
This poignant image serves as a grim reminder of the risks and consequences faced by workers during Birmingham's Industrial Revolution era. As we gaze upon these ruins, we are forced to confront the human cost of progress and innovation gone awry.
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