From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, 6/29/1912, p. 2, c. 5

FOUR BURNED AT TREDEGAR WORKS
Augustus Krengel and Three Helpers Injured by Sudden Explosion.

One man was probably fatally burned, a second has a fighting chance for life, while two others escaped with slight injuries in an explosion of molten zinc metal yesterday afternoon about 3:30 o’clock at the plant of the Tredegar Iron Works at the foot of South Fifth Street.

Augustus Krengel, about sixty-eight years old, of 207 South Pine Street, a foreman, was badly burned about the upper part of the body, including his head, face, neck, shoulders and arms. He is at the Retreat for the Sick, and it was said last night while seriously injured it was thought that he would recover.

William Bowers, forty years old, colored, of South Richmond, was burned from the hips up. It was said at the City Hospital, where he was removed, that he had but a slight chance of recovery.

Cornelius Huckless, thirty-five years old, colored, who lives in the rear of 611 West Main Street, and Tom Brosby, colored, about fifty years old, of 1017 Hull Street, South Richmond, were slightly hurt.

The cause of the explosion was not explained. The four men were handling the hot metal, when, with a loud report, it flew in the air and fell upon them.

Dr. T. A. Moncure, ambulance surgeon of the City Hospital, responded to an emergency call. He at once had Krengel removed to the Retreat and Bowers to the City Hospital. Huckless and Crosby were treated, and they were able to return to their homes. Their burns were slight.

Krengel has been employed by the Tredegar Company since he was fourteen years old, and was regarded as one of the most efficient workmen in the plant.

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