In mid-afternoon, on the pier at the foot of North 2nd Street on the Brooklyn, New York waterfront, the derrick unloading a lighter filled with kerosene collapsed and smashed several barrels which then ignited. The vessel and the pier were instantly engulfed in flames that spread down the quayside to seven large oil storehouses. These and other buildings were destroyed before the fire was brought under control. Damage was estimated in the press at around $340,000 and at least two men died of burns. Several firemen were also hurt. (By John Osborne)