1901 - Frightful Fate is Caused by Ignited Oil

Mother and Babe Die From Attempt to Light Fire With Kerosene - Grief Unbalances Survivor's Mind.

Corona, Cal., Oct. 23. - As the result of the old experiment of pouring coal oil into a cookstove to revive a fire caused the horrible death of Mrs. Frederick Noble and her two-year-old daughter here, last night.

Shortly before 6 o'clock Mrs. Noble, who wished to prepare the evening meal, attempted to restore a fire that had burned in the stove by pouring oil upon the embers.

An explosion followed and the burning oil was cast in a shower upon her and her little daughter, who was playing on the floor near the stove.

Before others of the household could extinguish the flames the two were frightfully burned.

The babe lingered scarcely more than an hour and the mother passed away at 9.20 o'clock.

Both suffered torture before death relieved them.

As a result of the tragedy Mr. Noble, the husband and father, may lose his reason.

Grief appears to have temporarily unbalanced his mind.