Blair County PA Archives Obituaries.....Wilson, Blanche May  April 5, 1915
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The Tyrone Herald 4/8/1915
HORRIBLE DEATH.
Sister of J. N. Davis, of Tyrone; Meets Fearful Fate
Sustaining terrible burns of the body in an explosion of gasoline fumes at her 
home, 508 Tenth street, Altoona, Monday afternoon.  Miss Blanche May Wilson, 
aged 34 years, died at the Altoona hospital, Monday evening at 8:20 o’clock.
Scores of people in the city were shocked to learn of the young woman’s sudden 
demise, as she was widely known and few believed that she had been burned 
fatally in the accident which is one of the most peculiar to occur in Altoona 
for many months.
Practically all clothing was burned from the victim’s body and she suffered 
awful agony for six hours when death claimed her.  A sister, Mrs. J. S. 
Gardner, was unhurt in the explosion, although she was in the same room.
Gasoline Being Heated.
At 2:15 o’clock Monday afternoon, Mrs. Gardner, who resided with Miss Wilson at 
the above address, was engaged in cleaning and pressing garments in an out 
kitchen of the dwelling.  She had placed a small can containing gasoline in a 
dish pan.  Water was poured into the latter vessel and it was place on a gas 
range nearby to heat.
As the temperature of the water rose, the fumes of the warming gasoline 
increased and permeated the atmosphere.  Mrs. Gardner suddenly called to her 
sister Blanche who was in another room asking her to come to the out kitchen.  
Just as the latter entered the room, the fumes ignited from the lighted gas jet 
on the range and a terrific explosion resulted without any warning.
Victim Hurled Backward.
Miss Wilson was hurled violently backward down a flight of steps she had just 
ascended and the blazing gasoline on the stove was thrown over the woman’s 
body.  Mrs. Gardner was unhurt and ran to summon aid.  Joseph Wilson, father of 
the women appeared and attempted to smother the flames that enveloped his 
daughter.  He was painfully, but not seriously burned about the hands.  Scores 
of people were attracted to the scene by the roar of the explosion which was 
heard distinctly for several blocks.
Windows in the house were shattered, the building ignited and an alarm of fire 
was turned in from box No. 73.  Companies in the district responded and dame 
done will not exceed $100.  Neighbors turned their attention to Miss Wilson, 
the Altoona hospital ambulance was summoned, and a nearby physician was sent 
for.
When the ambulance reached the scene, physicians declared the woman was badly 
burned and the delivery truck owned and used by the Caum ice cream factory, was 
pressed into service and run to the institution was made in 1 ˝ minutes.  It 
was found that her injuries were chiefly second and third degree burns of the 
entire body.  Her hair was badly singed.
Conscious Until Last.
Until a few minutes prior to her death, Miss Wilson remained conscious.  She 
stood the ordeal bravely, suffering grate pain all the while.  Weakening 
steadily, she passed away the hour stated.  Nearly 200 phone calls were 
received at the hospital during the evening about her condition.
Blanche May Wilson was the daughter of Joseph W. and Electa, (deceased) 
Wilson.  She was born at Petersburg, Huntingdon county, February 2, 1879, and 
went to Altoona in 1889 with her parents.  She was educated in the public 
schools of Altoona and later became a dressmaker.  She was a member of the 
First Church of Christ and was highly esteemed.
He father, two sisters, Mrs. Gardner and Miss Jane Wilson, all at home, survive 
with a half-brother, J. N. Davis, of Tyrone.  She was also a member of the 
Washington-Burial association.


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