In Liverpool harbor, a British vessel carrying eleven tons of gunpowder explodes after catching fire

The Lottie Sleigh was preparing to sail for Africa with a cargo that included 940 quarter-kegs of gunpowder when fire broke out in the captain's quarters in the late afternoon.  With the blaze out of control, the Wasp, a passing ferry, took off the crew. At 7:20 p.m., the deserted ship blew up in a massive explosion that rocked much of Merseyside and caused heavy damage along the docks.  No injuries were reported, however.  (By John Osborne)