OIL IN OXYGEN TANK CAUSE OF EXPLOSION

As a result of two separate investigations, one conducted by Mr. W. L. Wedger, chemist for the state police, and the other by college officials in charge of Dean H. J. Hughes '94 of the Engineering School, it is believed that the explesion in the Jefferson Physical Laboratory last Friday afternoon was caused by the presence of oil in the oxygen tanks which were being filled at the time.

The following statement was authorized Saturday night by Dean Hughes and Professor H. N. Davis '03;

"From all the data whice we have-been able to collect to date in our in our investigation of the explosion, we believe that it was caused by oil in the oxygen tank. How this oil got there we are not yet certain. We shall continue investigating, placing all of our evidence at the disposal of Mr. Wedger, State chemist, and seeking to piece together our data with his in order to reach a reliable conclusion.

"A statement has appeared in the press attributed to Mr. Neal, the State Fire Marshall, that the tank used, which was under a pressure of 1500 or 1600 pounds, was of a type tested for only 500 pounds. The fact is that this tank was of a standard type, tested for 4000 pounds, and commonly used commercially under presures running up to more than 2000 pounds.

"The work upon which Mr. Dunbar was engaged when the explosion occurred was not of an experimental nature, but consisted of pumping oxygen in the gaseous form from a balloon in a shed outside the building by means of a compressor with water-lubricated cylinders into a tank. It should be said that this is a standard process constantly carried on in commercial plants. How the oil which caused the explosion got into the tank in this particular case is the problem which we are making every effort to solve in cooperation with the State authorities".

Since none of the classrooms of the laboratory were seriously damaged by the accident, classes will be held as usual there today, it was announced yesterday by Professor Theodore Lyman '97, Director of the laboratory.

The funeral of Mr. Dunbar was held yesterday at 3 o'clock at Appleton Chapel, the Reverend Samuel MoChord Crothers '99 conducting the service.